After a good experience with CaJohn’s Select Cayenne, I was anxious to give the Jalapeno version a try.

Ingredients: Jalapeno Chilies, Distilled Vinegar, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid

I really like the flavor of fresh jalapenos, particularly the ripe red ones, but also the fresh, bright green, immature variety.

However, I don’t much care for jalapenos when they are pickled, as found in jars you buy in the store. The vinegar overpowers the taste, and ruins the flavors I like so much. This also means that I don’t like most jalapeno sauces, since they are loaded with vinegar and salt.

But, CaJohn’s select held a good deal of promise for me, since it has 80% chile solids and no salt.

On First Taste
The first thing that surprised me was the heat level. This sauce is no burner, but as far as jalapeno sauces go, the heat level is good. The vinegar is understated, and the lack of salt is refreshing. There’s a strong jalapeno flavor, but alas, it lacks the taste of fresh jalapenos and tastes more like jalapenos from a jar.

On Food

I tried CaJohn’s select jalapeno on a burrito. I doused each bite with a hefty amount. It added a good amount of flavor to the burrito - definitely preferable to the weak, canned jalapenos I too often find at local burrito places. It made for an acceptable, but not spectacular, flavor enhancer.

In Conclusion:
CaJohn has made a valiant attempt at a good jalapeno sauce with his Select Jalapeno Puree. If you like jalapeno sauces, you’ll love this one. If you don’t, then this won’t change your opinion on the genre. Compared to most jalapeno sauces, it definitely better than average.

CaJohns Fiery Foods
2040 Oakland Park Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43224
Toll Free: 888-703-FIRE
Phone: (614)-418-0808
Fax: (614)-418-0800