Pimenton - a part of Spanish cuisine for centuries

FALLBROOK - Spanish culture is steeped in tradition, and many of those traditions date back several centuries if not even longer. Like many cultures, Spanish culture would not be complete without its cuisine.

One of the essential ingredients of Spanish cuisine is pimenton, a paprika that is used in recipes to make everything from entrees to sauces. Historians believe pimenton got its start in Spain thanks to noted explorer Christopher Columbus, who may have brought the spice back to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella after one of his voyages.

The spice has endured and remains an essential ingre...