With origins in Mexico, this made in USA Chile Crunch - Original is a bit of an anomaly for what one might assume to be a salsa macha. Its spare ingredient list lacks any of the nuts or seeds considered essential to an authentic salsa macha. We picked this one up at Whole Foods.
Main Flavor Elements
- Garlic
- Onion
- Chile
Snapshot
- Base oil(s): Sunflower
- Solids to oil ratio: Moderate (~60%)
- Flavor Enhancer: None
- Potential allergens: None
- Storage: N/S
Our Impressions
- Heat level: Low
- Texture: Crunchy garlic and onion
- Saltiness: Low (15mg. per 5gm.)
While it may or may not be the first of its kind, this crunchy garlic and onion-infused oil is similar to a handful of competitors we've tried. We found both alliums perfectly toasted, giving a satisfying crunch without any of the bitterness associated with over-frying.
No added sugar means it doesn't have the sweet note some like MW Polar Crunchy Garlic Chili Sauce or Mishima Chef Troy’s Recipe Crunchy Garlic Chili Sauce do, but that quality is best left to individual preference.
To be priced competitively with those other smaller jars, this one would need to sell for about $3 less.
The chile heat level here is about on par with others in the category, low and in keeping with a more taberu rayu-style product, despite its Mexican origins.
We liked the sunflower oil base, and thought it gave a mellow roundness to the mouthfeel and an almost buttery impression on the palate.
The garlic and onion crunch is among the best we've tried. But we really needed to stir things up well each and every time we spooned some out, as the solids were quick to settle back to the bottom of the jar. We appreciated the straight sides of the container allowing us full access to really dig deep and mix things up.
In addition to the Original, the company also produces Mild, Chipotle and Hot (sometimes seen listed as Spicy) versions. We can't imagine why a Mild would be necessary, as we didn't find the Original to be spicy or at all hot.
See it at Amazon.
Ingredients
Non-GMO sunflower oil, onion, garlic, chiles, salt.
More Information
Brand: Chile Colonial, LLC / Chile Crunch
Style: Crunchy oil
Price Paid: $10.99 / 5.5oz.
Country of Origin: USA (Denver, CO)
Manufacturer website: https://chilecrunch.com/products/chile-crunch-1
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