A couple of years ago I spent three months travelling around South America and made it to; Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil. My main reason for heading to that part of the world was to fulfil a life-long ambition to trek the infamous ‘Inca Trail’ into Machu Picchu, Peru. And man, what a truly amazing experience that was. The trek was seriously hard work as no matter how fit you are (I was moderately fit at the time), you can still battle with the altitude when reaching climbs of 2,400 metres. I was physically and mentally pushed throughout, but it was such a rewarding experience and one that I shall never forget.
I could write more about my awesome journey, but I mention my travel, as Peruvian food seems to be developing a bit of a food revolution of late. I can sort of see why, but as I don’t like raw fish which its national dish ‘ceviche’ is based on, I’m a bit nonplussed. I also ate some very ‘interesting’ meals whilst there like; fried guinea pig and llama, that again adds to me not being particularly enthused by its cuisine. However, they did make the most fantastic estofados (stews) and chilli sauces.
Rico Picante, owned by sibling duo Christian Castillo and Alison Ward, have developed a new range of premium award-winning, Peruvian chilli sauces based on old family recipes. There are 5 in total each differing in heat: Smoky, Amarillo, Andes, Amazonia and Oops. I was offered one to try and was sent the Amarillo.
The Peruvian Aji Amarillo (yellow chilli pepper) is the key element in most Peruvian dishes and formed the basis to the sauce I tried. It’s medium in heat and vibrant not only in colour, but also in taste. The sauce has fruity undertones, and is fresh in flavour with a nice little kick. When testing I used the sauce as a marinade on chicken, but think it works better as a table or cooking sauce. I can vouch for the fact that it has a very authentic flavour, so much so, it brought back lovely memories of my time spent in Peru.
Rico Picante chilli sauces are free from artificial colours, flavours or additives and retails at £3.50 for a 160ml bottle. They are currently available to buy at Fortnum & Mason, independent delis and online www.ricopicante.co.uk.
Many thanks to Rico Picante for the sample.
Hey, I was in F & M on Thursday though I must admit hot sacue was not my reason for the trip hahahaha I shall look out for it when next week it sounds kind of tasty, now if I can get my mom to marinate the chicken hahaha xoxo
I envy you and your traveling! I want to do that one day 🙂 x
Rico Picante chilli sauce sounds so yummy. I will have to try and get some and then try and think of a recipe to make that could include it.
Travelling is the best – do it! It’s a close second to my love of food. x
Wow! Those look cool, I wonder if they are fair trade and produced in Peru or England?
Hi Caroline, no sign of it being fair trade and they’re made in the UK.