ironing board and cover_day of the dead tablecloth

Once combined, I add half the same amount of the guajillo chili powder mixture as what the recipe calls for paprika.

To be fair, “cayenne” actually describes a group of hot pepper varieties in the C. annuum species. Cayenne peppers range from long and curly, to short and straight, and many in between.

The heat of peppers is measured using the Scoville Heat Scale, which ranks the heat of a given pepper in units known as Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Bell peppers of all colors register zero SHU, meaning they're not hot at all. Jalapeños are medium, measuring 2,500 to 8,000 SHU, while extremely hot chiles like habaneros or Scotch bonnets come in at 100,000 to 350,000 SHU.

Paprika powder comes in various types, including sweet paprika, hot paprika, and smoked paprika, each offering different flavor profiles and heat levels. Sweet paprika is mild and sweet, adding vibrant color to dishes, while hot paprika provides a spicy kick. Smoked paprika, such as Spanish pimentón, has a distinct smoky flavor due to the peppers being smoked over oak fires.