Hot sauce

Hot sauce is a liquid or semi-liquid condiment characterized by its intense and spicy flavor, primarily obtained from a combination of chili peppers, vinegar, salt, and other ingredients such as garlic, onion, spices, and sometimes fruits or vegetables. Its level of spiciness can range from mildly hot to extremely fiery, depending on the type and quantity of chili used.

This sauce has a very diverse and multicultural origin, as different regions of the world have developed their own versions using native ingredients. In Latin America, for example, hot sauce is a fundamental element in the cuisines of Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica, and Chile, among others. Each country and region contributes its unique touch, using different varieties of chilies such as jalapeño, habanero, rocoto, or ají limo.

In terms of properties, hot sauce not only adds flavor and intensity to dishes but can also provide health benefits. The active component in chili peppers, capsaicin, has anti-inflammatory effects, can help boost metabolism, and contribute to a feeling of fullness. Furthermore, being a sauce primarily based on natural ingredients and low in calories, it is a popular dressing for adding flavor without adding fats.

In Latin American Spanish, hot sauce goes by various synonyms depending on the region, such as chili sauce, spicy ají, red sauce (when it has a tomato base), spicy chimichurri (in versions with herbs), or simply ají in countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia. In Mexico, it is commonly referred to simply as salsa, with the understanding that it is spicy.