Hungary

Hungary is world-renowned for its chili pepper traditions, especially the cultivation of paprika, which defines both Hungarian cuisine and rural agricultural identity. Hungarian chile peppers—ranging from 1,000 to 15,000 SHU—include iconic types like “Hungarian Hot Wax” and the sweet, red “paprika” peppers, grown for both fresh use and drying into spice powder.

Kalocsa and Szeged are the main production centers, hosting annual paprika festivals and generating major seed and product exports. Larger agricultural collectives focus on integrated pest management and renewable energy, while family farms and rural households maintain vibrant traditions of pepper stringing, drying, and local commerce. Hungarian pepper agriculture remains a powerful symbol of national heritage, sustainability, and culinary innovation.