Valentina - Salsa Picante
B+3.8 / 5 BASED ON 4 REVIEWS
Maker:
Salsa Tamazula
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Ingredients:
Water, Chili Peppers, Vinegar, Salt, Spices, 0.1% Sodium Benzoate As A Preservative
Description:
Official: "The "Best Selling Hot Sauce in Mexico!". This typically comes in a larger than average bottle holding 12.5oz, with a flip cap. It is also available in 1 Liter (34 oz)."User Reviews
The opinions expressed in these reviews are soley those of their author.
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A+4.9
Reviewed by Solaaris on September 8th, 2020
Label:
Unmistakable label. Made to stand out on the supermarket shelf.
Looks:
Very red and slightly watery. Thats the idea though as its often used to popcorn and chicharron. Runs into the nooks and crannies making it waster to flavour all the snacks rather than just the top!
Aroma:
Slightly spicy aroma with acidic undertones which I like personally.
Taste:
Not massively spicy in comparisons to other sauces, Lightly vinegary/acidic. Works well on salty or sweet popcorn
Heat:
Burn isn't massive, more like a tingle really on the tongue and lips.
Overall:
As my partner is Mexican I am used to mexican flavours so I love it on popcorn, elotes and chicharron. Its a tasty sauce but I imagine it may be too acidic for some. I'm glad I have found a place in the UK that sells it at a reasonable price.
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C2.4
Reviewed by vic-arr on February 23rd, 2019
Label:
The backdrop of the label is a strange marbled yellow that really pops in contrast with the bright red sauce, so the bottle is easy to spot in a super market. The red shape under the green "Valentina" name is the Mexican state of Jalisco where this sauce originates.
Looks:
The color of the sauce is a very bright reddish orange, it definitely looks appetizing. The sauce is thicker than your average hot sauce and is pretty smooth in terms of it's texture.
Aroma:
Right off the bat I get a strong scent of vinegar and just a bit of that cheap "general" chili powder smell that is not very pleasant to the nostrils.
Taste:
This tastes very tangy and salty, like 50% vinegar, 50% salt and has a light sweetness to it. It's hard to detect any other spices in there, and I can't really say I can taste any chili peppers in there even though it's in the ingredients.
Heat:
Initially it's not very spicy. It takes about 6 tortilla chips doused in that stuff to really feel a kick on your tongue, but the spice doesn't linger.
Overall:
This is a good sauce to have for your popcorn, tortilla chip or any other snack that is a bit bland that just needs that extra little kick to give it some color. Otherwise I wouldn't pair this with any other protein or food that would probably taste better with a higher quality sauce/salsa that would otherwise add more depth of flavor.
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A-4.0
Reviewed by oldirtdog on April 19th, 2018
Label:
The label is easy to recognize. It doesn't have much along the lines of an explanation, but we should all know what it's about at this point.
Looks:
I am really a fan of this sauce's looks. It's got a great orange color, creamy consistency, and a smooth texture. You can really slather it on good.
Aroma:
It smells of peppers and vinegar. A deep breath will take your breath but not too bad.
Taste:
I give this one a high score because I think it's got one of the best tastes of any of the cheap, Mexican based sauces. It's got a great pepper taste without being overpowering. I would compare it to Cholula but just a tad tastier.
Heat:
This one has an average burn. I use it liberally on almost everything. You won't be afraid to reapply if you want.
Overall:
I will give this one a higher than average score even though it is my absolute favorite sauce to keep around the house. We get the big bottle from our local Target for about $2, so it's an incredible deal. It's got just the right amount of pepper vs. vinegar balance. On eggs, it can't be beat.
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B+3.9
Reviewed by macmantrl on March 21st, 2015
Label:
Very plain, neutral labeling and a disconnected mix of fonts. Nothing particularly exciting or attention grabbing. I do like the bottle, which is partially textured glass, large, and has the name branded on it. Flip-up cap is very well designed (although a little flimsy) and has a nice spout for poring.
Looks:
Nice dark, red color. Fairly thin consistency, but not watery. Gives the impression of tomato salsa but it doesn't contain any tomatoes. Very nice, smooth pour that holds its shape.
Aroma:
Not too strong or pungent. Hints of paprika but mostly very peppery.
Taste:
Just the right balance of salt and vinegar. The flavor of the chile peppers really comes through. Slightly sweet. Tastes great on its own, but I could imagine this being used as a marinade.
Heat:
Slow, weak burn that you feel in the throat more than the mouth. Not much heat, but it's a nice gentle buzz.
Overall:
This is a good, authentic Mexican hot sauce. Would go well with any Mexican food.