VarietiesC. annuumMildPaprika Žitava
MildC. annuumSlovak Republic

Paprika Žitava

Žitavská paprika · Paprika

500Scoville Heat Units

Heat context

Carolina Reaper
Ghost Pepper
Habanero
Paprika Žita…
Botanical data
Heat (SHU)500
SpeciesC. annuum
OriginSlovak Republic
Days to mature70
Plant height40–70 cm
Wall thicknessThin
Ripe colourred
YieldHeavy
Growth habitBush
Germination7-14
FoliageGreen
Unripe colourgreen

About this variety

Paprika Žitava is a protected designation of origin (PDO) sweet paprika from Slovakia's Danubian Lowland, earning its designation in 2014. Named after the Žitava river valley, these peppers are harvested when fully ripe and undergo a unique processing method where a 'colouring stone' applies pressure during grinding, releasing seed oils that create the characteristic intense reddish-orange color and sweet flavor.

Flavour profile

sweetmildrich
Culinary scores
Sauce
4/10
Drying
10/10
Pickling
3/10

Culinary uses

Primarily used as a ground sweet paprika spice for traditional Slovak and Central European cuisine. The powder is added to stews, goulash, soups, and meat dishes to provide vibrant color and sweet pepper flavor without significant heat.

You might also like

Quick reference

Heat500 SHU
SpeciesC. annuum
OriginSlovak Republic
Days to ripe70
Ripe colourred
Best forDrying, Primarily used as a ground sweet paprika spice for traditional Slovak and Central European cuisine. The powder is added to stews
Data confidence: 4/5. Sourced from community submissions and verified references. Suggest a correction