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From the episode: Appetizers
Can jarred salsas make a decent alternative to homemade?
Salsa is now America’s favorite condiment, but previous taste tests have been disappointing. None have come close to the allure of homemade fresh salsa. But our prior taste tests have focused on mild varieties. Might jarred medium and hot salsas be more interesting than their timid cousins?
We sampled each salsa both plain and with the test kitchen's favorite tortilla chips. For the hot tasting, we sampled nine national brands and were surprised that most tasters didn’t need to quell the burn with cold milk or water as they nibbled. Only three brands were considered sufficiently hot, and none were excessively incendiary. These hot salsas were livelier and better than the milder salsas we’ve tasted in the past, with eight of the nine receiving passing grades. But even the best were merely good, not great, and didn’t approach the quality of fresh salsa. Why? Good salsa relies on the interplay of fresh vegetable flavors and textures. Jarred salsas have the freshness and crispness cooked out of them.
For our medium testing, we revisited a previous tasting with the four most popular nationally available brands, choosing basic flavors and a medium level of spiciness. Only one sample earned a recommended status.
Looking at the winners, we realized the best salsas have high percentages of tomatoes and vegetables. So curious how our winner would compare to fresh salsa, we pitted them against our homemade One-Minute Salsa and a local refrigerated brand. Again, tasters gave top honors to the homemade salsa, and the refrigerated brand took second place, but the jarred winners held their own, keeping their recommended spot.
Our conclusion? We still think homemade salsa is best. If you don’t want to bother pulling out the food processor, or if you can’t find acceptable tomatoes, the fresh salsa in your supermarket’s refrigerated case can be nearly as good. But if you’re really looking for convenience and need a salsa with a longer shelf life, our two top salsas—hot and medium—are a decent option.
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