I see a lot of beautiful homemade salsas on here, so I'm sorry if this offends, I'm just not sure where to go to ask this! This seemed like the best place.
Most of my life, I've gravitated towards medium salsas. They weren't spicy, more like zippy. But it seemed no matter what brand I bought, they were all pretty much the same flavor. Different textures sometimes, but similar flavor.
Then I tried On The Border. It hit. The flavor was far better than what I was used to, and now that I've been buying it, no other salsa hits the same.
I swear I'm not crazy, but the flavor profile almost feels like there's a smoked meat or Taco meat in the salsa. I know there's not, of course, but the flavor sure makes it seem that way.
What makes it different? And are there any other store salsas I may enjoy that share similar qualities to On The Border?
by SeanicTheHedgehog23
16 Comments
I’ll be honest I haven’t had their salsa but their chips are solidly A tier
Its definitely one of the staples that I buy because its versatile, and would appeal to anyone’s palette for the most part, so its easy to use for get togethers. Not crazy spicy, but very good flavor. Probably the closest to actual restaurant style I’ve found in a store bought jar.
Cumin
my family is obsessed with the version that’s at the restaurants. wish there was a recipe out there
I’m not sure if it’s a roasted salsa or not but, based on your descriptors of smokiness and taco-ness, probably roasted ingredients and, most likely, cumin (gives a familiar taco flavor).
Also, maybe check if they use any dried peppers (moritas) or chipotles? I’m not sure if the ingredients would mention it or not but these are often associated with a smokey flavor profile.
Monosodium glutamate
“I swear I’m not crazy, but the flavor profile almost feels like there’s a smoked meat or Taco meat in the salsa. I know there’s not, of course, but the flavor sure makes it seem that way.
What makes it different?” ~~
To a lot of people, “Taco flavor” is actually Cumin. That spice isn’t very common in salsas, but it would make sense if they put it in the jar for a little extra umami taste. Plenty of salsas have chili powder in them, and some mixes use a bit of cumin, but it isn’t usually the forward flavor. Cheaper chili powder has a mix of ancho, cayenne, chipotle with a sweeter profile.
I respect your opinion, but I think I’d rather lick the shoes of a line cook at my local Mexican restaurant than finish a jar of On the Border salsa.
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I love their in-restaurant salsa. Their Hot store bought salsa with the purple lid is so rare to find in Wisconsin.
Ding dang yung’un, you done need some learning up. Course OtB is better than that that New York City bullshit. It’s CLEARLY from the ding dang ol boarder for fucks sake
…I guess it all depends on where you’re from. Where I am from (southwestern US), this is considered solidly C tier. I genuinely did not realize others held it in high esteem.
Momma said if you can’t say something nice then don’t say anything at all 🤐
its my favorite jarred salsa by a mile
Idk?! I’ve never tried but now I need to lol