From the beginning of civilization man has sought ways to make his food taste better. The discovery of salt created the first communities and the spice trade facilitated the exchange of culture and ideas around the world. From mustards and dressings to chutneys and salsas, condiments reflect humanity in all its wonderful diversity. We are condiments and condiments are us, enjoy!
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May 4

63. Herdez Salsa Casera

Herdez sells more salsa than anyone in the States and is a favorite among actual Mexicans. The brand is now owned by Hormel (the company that Spam built), but originally it was the Del Castillo and Pons Hernandez clans that brought mass market quality to Mexican shoppers. Besides the casera, Herdez makes an excellent salsa verde as well as a ranchera that provides a decent mole for chicken or pork. The pop-top cans contain the perfect amount of salsa to accompany a meal; only gabachos buy Herdez in a glass container.

Dec 5

26. Tapatío Salsa Picante

Although made in Southern California, Tapatío is very much a Mexican hot sauce and is similar to Valentina or Cholula. While a bottle of salsa picante sits on every table in Mexico, salsa crudas or frescas are almost always freshly made, only north of the border are bottled “chunky” salsas popular. Tapatío refers to a native of Guadalajara.

Nov 19

11. Pace Picante Sauce

Despite huge sales, no commercial salsa brand in the US has yet to achieve iconic status. Pace’s original ad campaign was a forerunner of red/blue state political strategy. Pace is to salsa what Tex Mex is to cuisine, dubious at best. Fresh salsa can be hazardous to one’s health. The founder David Pace liked his coffee spiked with picante sauce.