Special Edition XXXXtra Reserve Habanero Hot Sauce

Melinda’s

Some hot sauces are complicated. This one has other priorities. Melinda’s XXXXtra Reserve puts the habanero firmly in charge, with a short ingredient list that leaves very little for the chilli to hide behind. Carrot and onion add a little body, while lime and vinegar bring the sharpness needed to keep all that pepper from becoming too heavy. And yes, it is properly hot. The aged habaneros bring more than just heat, though. There’s a fruity, almost citrusy character underneath the fire, which makes this surprisingly useful when you want to add serious chilli without changing the entire dish. Eggs. Pizza. Burgers. Tacos. Soup. Whatever is on the plate, really. Just remember: “everyday hot sauce” does not necessarily mean “use everyday quantities”.