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Tag: pepitas

Published on Leave a comment on Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce

This Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce is a strange one. It's from Mexico, so it should really be called a salsa macha, no? Shouldn't it? We think so.

Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce jar
Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce sample
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Garlic
  • Seed nuts
  • Salt
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Sunflower
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: sesame, sunflower
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Nutty crunch
  • Saltiness: Moderate (320mg. per 16gm.)

This one came from Amazon because, unfathomably, we couldn't find it locally. This one is a crunch fest, with sesame seeds, pepitas and sunflower seeds. The chilis take somewhat of a backseat here, but provide enough flavor and heat to be noticed. We particularly liked the inclusion of morita pepper, which we thought made La Anita Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper such a stand-out in its category.

Garlic, onion and unnamed spices round out the seasonings, along with salt, listed as only a moderate 320mg. sodium per tablespoon.

Be aware, however, that salt doesn't dissolve in oil. When you get towards the bottom of the jar, it may seem saltier than when first opened. Because it probably is. The preponderance of nuts and seeds means there is less softer vegetal material to potentially take up the salt, so it will largely settle to the bottom unless intentional measures are taken to mix the contents well before each use. This is especially important with a large jar such as this one, which contains many servings.

At $10 for 8 oz, in the world of this type of condiment, we find it a reasonably good value. Watch for an occasional price drop, though. We got second jar during the Big Spring Sale for a low $6.71.

Ingredients

High oleic sunflower oil, chili peppers (ancho, morita and arbol), garlic, sesame seed, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, salt, onion, spices and natural flavor.

More Information

Brand: McCormick / Cholula
Style: Chili crisp? (Salsa macha)
Price paid: $9.99 / 8oz.
Country of Origin: Mexico
Manufacturer website: www.cholula.com
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Published on Leave a comment on Trader Joe’s Crunchy Salsa Macha

We bought this Trader Joe's Crunchy Salsa Macha on a whim months ago. It was under $5 for the 8 oz. jar, a bargain if it was good. So was it?

Trader Joe's Crunchy Salsa Macha jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Mostly the nuts, seeds
  • Salt
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Olive oil
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Sesame
  • Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Low
  • Texture: Crunchy, by way of seeds and nuts
  • Saltiness: Low (90mg. per 15g.)

Another of the few olive oil-based ones we've seen, which we liked. There's a load of sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and pepitas. But we were quite surprised to see how little chili pepper there was in this supposed "salsa macha". The flavor here is mainly seed nuts and salt. There is little to nothing in the way of heat or spice. Pequin chile pepper, far down the list of ingredients, is barely detectable unless tasting the condiment exclusively on its own.

TJ's has another product called Crunchy Chili Onion that comes far closer to being a salsa macha. Having said that, there must be a place for this product in the world of infused oil condiments, but we aren't really sure where that is. Still, we kinda like it anyway.

We can't in good conscience categorize this as a salsa macha, so we're calling it a Crunchy Oil instead.

Ingredients

Olive oil, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, garlic powder, dried pequin chile pepper, salt.

More Information

Brand: Trader Joe's
Style: Crunchy oil
Price Paid: $4.49 / 8oz.
Country of Origin: USA
Manufacturer website:
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