Hot Sauce — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips

Quality hot sauce should have a vibrant color and a thick consistency, with a heat level that is balanced by underlying flavors such as vinegar, garlic, or herbs. The sauce should coat a spoon well without being runny.

Avoid hot sauces that are overly watery or have sediment at the bottom. Good hot sauce should deliver heat while also enhancing the flavor of your meals, not overpowering them.

Hot sauce should be stored in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration after opening helps maintain its flavor and extends its shelf life. Properly stored, hot sauce remains flavorful and ready to spice up dishes.

Exposure to light and heat can cause hot sauce to lose its potency. It’s best to avoid storing it near the stove. Keeping it cool preserves its vibrant flavor and spiciness, ensuring it enhances every meal.

Hot sauce can last for 1-2 years unopened when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it can last for 6 months to 1 year in the refrigerator.

Leftover hot sauce can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary ways. In the kitchen, hot sauce adds heat and flavor to dishes like eggs, tacos, sandwiches, soups, and marinades. It can be used to spice up dips, dressings, and even cocktails like Bloody Marys. A dash of hot sauce can also enhance the flavor of stews, chili, and grilled meats.

Beyond cooking, hot sauce has some unconventional uses. It can be used as a natural pest deterrent in the garden; mixing hot sauce with water and a little soap creates a spray that can help keep insects and animals away from plants. Hot sauce can also be used in a pinch to remove stubborn grease stains from clothing; apply a small amount to the stain, let it sit briefly, then wash as usual (though this should be tested on an inconspicuous area first). Additionally, hot sauce can be added to birdseed to deter squirrels and other animals from eating it, as birds are unaffected by the capsaicin but mammals find it unpleasant. In small quantities, hot sauce can also be used in DIY craft projects, such as creating spicy scented candles or adding a unique twist to homemade soaps.