Salsa Sauce

Salsa sauce, commonly referred to simply as salsa, is a type of sauce that originated in Latin America and is typically made with a combination of chopped tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs such as cilantro. It is used as a condiment or dip for tortilla chips or other snacks, and it is also used as a topping for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes. Salsa can vary in heat level and flavor, depending on the type of peppers and other ingredients used.

Commercial production follows four stages. Ingredient preparation covers washing, peeling and chopping the tomatoes, onions, peppers and other ingredients to the desired size. The prepared ingredients are then mixed in a large pot or kettle and cooked over heat to combine the flavors and achieve the desired consistency. Flavouring ingredients such as garlic, cilantro, cumin or lime juice are added to the salsa mixture to enhance the flavor. Finally, the product is transferred to containers for packaging, which can include jars, bottles or pouches.

Because heat level and flavour depend on the type of peppers and other ingredients used, recipe control and consistent ingredient sizing at the preparation stage govern how repeatable the finished product is from batch to batch. Major players in the salsa market include Frontera Foods, Herdez, Old El Paso, Tostitos, Pace Foods, Newman's Own and Mrs. Renfro's.