Hot sauce

Hot sauce is a liquid or semi-liquid preparation used to add flavor and a touch of spiciness to a wide variety of dishes. It is primarily made from chili peppers, combined with ingredients such as vinegar, salt, garlic, and spices that enhance its flavor and preserve the product. The spiciness level can range from mild to extremely hot, making it a very versatile condiment in the kitchen.

The origin of hot sauce is diverse and can be found in many cultures around the world, particularly in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. In Latin America, its use is closely linked to Mexican, Peruvian, and Caribbean cuisines, where chili peppers are a traditional ingredient. The development of these sauces dates back to pre-Columbian civilizations that used chili peppers not only as food but also for medicinal purposes.

Among its properties, hot sauce provides antioxidant capacity and contains vitamin C and other beneficial compounds present in chili peppers, such as capsaicin, which has effects on metabolism and may help improve blood circulation. Additionally, due to its low calorie content and rich flavor, it is an ideal condiment to enhance dishes without adding fats or sugars.

In different Hispanic American countries, hot sauce may have various names depending on its style or particular ingredients, although it is generally simply called "salsa picante". However, some popular synonyms or variants include: aji sauce (in Andean countries like Peru and Ecuador), spicy aji, spicy pico de gallo (when it contains fresh and spicy ingredients), and in Mexico it may also be referred to as red sauce if it is based on red chili and tomato.

In cooking, hot sauce is essential for accompanying tacos, meats, soups, seafood, and much more, providing that characteristic intense flavor that enhances any recipe.