Looking for the Best
and The Hottest Salsa?

Usually thought of as the hot and spicy accompaniment to tortilla chips and tacos, salsa recipes have become associated with healthy eating. More and more, it is being used as a marinade for chicken, fish and meat or as a low fat, high flavor alternative to high fat sauces. And, since it is made from simple, fresh ingredients it is fast becoming a homemade favorite.

"Salsa" is the Mexican word for sauce, and is made from fresh ingredients which have been chopped and mixed to retain their texture. But generally, they differ from sauces as we know them. Most sauces are cooked or sauted and made into a more liquid form.



Almost all salsas fit into one of three categories:

-tomato based
-vegetable
-fruit

A tomato salsa recipe , which includes most commercial brands, contains any combination of tomatoes, onions, herbs, and chile peppers. A popular twist is this guacamole recipe, which is created by adding avocado to the above ingredients.

The vegetable variety varies widely and can include corn, beans, peas, squash, or any combination of vegetables to create a distinctive taste and texture.

Perhaps the most popular and tasty category, fruit salsas, offer a stark contrast to the chile peppers. The sweet and tangy fruits combine with the heat of peppers for a flavor explosion.

Like in this delicious mango recipe, with sweet juicy mango and peppers, you can't go wrong! No matter which flavors you choose, they can all be easily made at home and the recipes tailored to your personal taste.
(More recipes: Guacamole - recipe salsa)

Any combination, however, if made in the home is highly perishable. Many home chefs have turned to canning their own concoctions. Your shelf life will vary, so please follow the precautions outlined on our canning page. If you love to make your own, this is definitely the way to go.
(More on canning: canning salsa recipes - salsa article)

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