People left stunned after finding out what paprika is actually made from

Wondering about the origin of paprika is like when you've almost finished a bad movie, but you need to know what happens at the end.

But if you consider yourself to be a bit of a foodie (I unfortunately do) then don't feel bad, just blame daytime cooking shows.

Growing up on the likes of Jamie Oliver and Rick Stein, the UK-famous TV chefs have used a fair bit of the red powdery stuff over the years, and are the reason many of us even have it in our pantry.

Adding a little spice to your hummus, or a nice kick to your crispy chicken, the versatile ingredient is probably in most households all over the country.

It's seriously good for you too, as its nutrients such as vitamin A, capsaicin, and carotenoid antioxidants, can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

The red stuff adds a hint of flavour to many dishes (Getty Stock Images)

Also, paprika can reduce inflammation, improve immunity and help alleviate gas.

However, people on social media have been left a little surprised after learning what the powdered stuff actually made of.

What is paprika made out of?

So paprika is a spice most commonly made from the dried sweet red peppers (like bell peppers), with seeds and stems usually removed.

Typically, it comes from dried and milder Capsicum annuum varieties, not super hot chillies.

When made in different countries, contrasting peppers and drying methods lead to sweet, hot, or smoky versions.

Why are people were confused about paprika?

Love a bit of paprika on hummus (Getty Stock Images)

Over on socials though, people genuinely thought paprika itself was a physical pepper that came from a tree.

"Learning that paprika is just dried and crushed red bell peppers was really shocking," one person penned, as another added: "Like I dunno why I thought there was a paprika tree somewhere."

Meanwhile, others were a bit baffled that people weren't aware of the culinary fact, thinking that it was ‘common knowledge’.

And then a third person shared a photo of a packet of paprika, which had red peppers on the front. That's when, finally, the penny dropped.

They said: "I just pulled this out, which was obviously sent to me by my mother in one of her random packages and OMG."

Someone else then decided to overshare, as is often the case on social media, and ashamedly admitted: "You’re not as bad as me who didn’t realise guacamole is just avocados. I always thought it tasted familiar. SMH."

This is why we should think before we type.