Review: Paradise Mango Habanero Hot Sauce
Several weeks ago, a few of us sauce crazies were asked via email to try a yet to be named, prototype mango habanero sauce and provide some helpful criticisms in the development stages. I’ve always liked contrasting flavors such as a sweet heat and looked forward to the challenge and of course the samples. My first sample arrived simply canned and labeled Mango #1.
Like a kid on Christmas, I jumped right in. Initially, I was greeted with an extremely rich yellow color and a delightfull Habanero smell. Starting with just a spoon, I burned thru most of the jar. When I say burned thru, I mean it literally burned thru me. This sauce has the perfect heat level, but not for the weak or timid. It truly is hot. No extract here and still a 9 out of 10 on heat.The balence of Habanero heat as well as Habanero flavor was perfect but it needed more Mango flavor and sweetness. My recommendation was to add fresh peaches to bring out the Mango flavor and the manufacturer agreed. In just a few days, sample number 11-M arrived.
Ingredients: Mango’s, Georgia Peaches, onion, leeks, yellow Bell Pepper, Orange Habanero’s, White Balsamic Vinegar, fresh Ginger, salt, Mustard, Sugar, red Bell Pepper, fresh Key Lime Juice, fresh Grapefruit Juice, Jalepeno Pepper and white Wine.
This is really where the review begins. Folks, I have travelled the country for 18 years. I have had about every kind of sauce, from all corners of the planet. I have my own line of sauces under the name of Blue’s BBQ, Inc. I feel qualified to make this statement: I have to tell you, this sauce, which has now been named MANGO PARADISE is, hands down, the best I have ever had. Being critical, I’ve tried to find problems with the sauce. I can’t. Never thought I would give a perfect 10 out of 10, but I have no choice. I’m now hooked and need a 12 point program and counseling to kick the Paradise Mango habit.
Check out the rich mango color and perfect texture.
One would think that a Mango Habanero would be a specific application sauce or SAS as Nick would put it, but not so here. I’ve put it on everything from toast to turkey to Mahi, made dips with it. Heck, I even made an ice cream shake with it. I don’t get carried away very often, but my absolute favorite is Mango Paradise Roasted Pork.
Paradise Mango with Pork
The only question I still had while writing this review was about packaging. A canning jar just wasn’t going to work. Well, about an hour ago, the finished product arrived via overnight courier. Guess what, another 10 !
Paradise Mango #4
Packaging 10/10
Aroma 10/10
Appearance 10/10
Taste 10/10
Heat 9/10
In closing, I don’t know of too many individuals that have the background, culinary skills, knowledege of flavors and fortitude to pull off the perfect sauce. It has been done right here. I may never get the opportunity to review a sauce this good again. My hat goes off to Master Chef Wes Zebzda. A job well done!
