Zesty New Salsas for Cinco de Mayo

In anticipation of Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May, a day to celebrate Mexican heritage and traditions), we're adding a bunch of new salsas at the Carolina Sauces online store, with heat levels and flavors that cover the spectrum. From mild to wild, and traditional tomato to black bean or fruit salsas, we have a salsa for everyone.

Here's the first batch of new salsas:

If you enjoy fruity tropical salsas, Tahiti Joe's Maui Pepper Co. Pineapple-Mango Sunset Salsa in zesty Medium or fiery Hot is for you. Made by the same company that brought us the delightful fruit-based Maui Pepper Co. Hot Sauces, these chunky tomato-based salsas are packed with real pineapple and mango for a bright, naturally sweetened island-style salsa that will make you smile. The heat comes from a blend of jalapeno peppers and habanero peppers, with the Hot Pineapple Mango Salsa obviously having more habanero fire while the Medium Pineapple Mango Salsa relies more on jalapenos for the right amount of heat that will satisfy most fans of hot & spicy foods. Either of these Pineapple-Mango salsas pairs beautifully with all sorts of fish and seafood (whether grilled, broiled, steamed, fried or baked), pork chops or pork loin, and chicken. Of course they're good with chips, but they also add tropical flavor to fish tacos, veggie burritos, sandwiches and wraps.


Caboom! Black Bean & Corn Salsa is a gently spicy, all-natural tomato and pepper salsa that's enhanced with savory black beans and sweet corn for rich, earthy flavor notes that complement any Mexican, Tex-Mex or Southwestern dish. Of course this hearty salsa is wonderful for dipping tortilla chips or for topping nachos, but it's also a natural with (and in) tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, fajitas, quesadillas and more. Add some black bean & corn salsa to your chili recipe, enjoy as a burger condiment, mix with sour cream and cream cheese for a party dip or appetizer, or use it in your taco soup recipe.


Peach 'N Pepper Gourmet Salsa is a little bit fruity and a little bit spicy, for a festive burst of sunny flavor that pairs nicely with roast or grilled pork or chicken as well as fish and seafood. Definitely on the sweeter side from the peaches, brown sugar, a splash of pineapple juice and other naturally sweet ingredients, this tomato-fruit salsa is spiced with jalapeno peppers for just enough of a medium peppery kick to make food spicy without overpowering it. Like any well-made salsa, Peach 'n Pepper Salsa is great with chips or nachos and also in recipes and as a condiment.

Salsa Stoopid: Be careful with this ridiculously hot salsa from the makers of the notorious Liquid Stoopid Hot Sauce. Like the hot sauce, this incendiary salsa is spiked with pepper extract. If you subtract that "turbo boost" which was added solely for heat, Salsa Stoopid is a traditional tomato salsa made with natural ingredients including jalapenos and habanero peppers. But don't let its docile appearance fool you: As the label warns, "One bite will stoopify ya." Be a conscientious host and give your fellow diners the warning before they dig in with chips or spoon it on their food. On the other hand, if you're someone who makes big batches of chili or large quantities of other recipes utilizing salsa, you can add just a little bit of this salsa to boost the flavor and heat of your recipe without breaking your wallet.

Da Bomb Ghost Pepper Salsa is another dangerously hot salsa for only the most experienced chileheads. As indicated by the name, Da Bomb Ghost Pepper Salsa is made with the infamous ghost pepper, aka naga or bhut jolokia, blended into a straightforward tomato-jalapeno salsa, ensuring that it will be noticeably hotter than other jalapeno salsas on the market. Interestingly, there are no habaneros in this extra-hot salsa, so if you prefer the distinctive tang of jalapenos over the subtly citrusy notes of habaneros, Ghost Pepper Salsa is for you. Use Da Bomb salsa in the same manner--and with the same precautions--as you would Salsa Stoopid, keeping in mind that it's made by the same folks who brought us the line of Da Bomb Hot Sauces, which are some of the hottest available.

And finally, one more for folks who enjoy a salsa with a super-hot, unrelenting burn: Jolokia 10 Salsa, made with the Naga or Bhut jolokia chile, also called the ghost pepper. Unlike our other ghost pepper salsa (Da Bomb), Jolokia 10 salsa does feature plenty of habanero peppers in addition to jalapeno peppers, and some would say that this one is noticeably hotter--although to the average palate, they're both unbelievably ultra-hot and best used in tiny quantities. Like our other super-hot salsas, this one looks like a regular, every-day tomato salsa when served, so please be nice and warn your guests before they take an unsuspecting bite and pass out from the fire in their mouth. If you are a seasoned pro when it comes to eating crazy-hot food, you'll enjoy this naga jolokia salsa on or in all your favorite Mexican, Tex-Mex and Southwestern dishes, as well as on nachos or with chips (but keep some sour cream handy to help soothe your tongue and tummy).

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

PS: We'll have a few more new salsas coming soon, including a chipotle salsa, so stay tuned!

PPS: To see our entire selection of salsas, visit our Salsa page.