Raw or smoked sauces?

August 25, 2025

Or how to stop being confused

Hot sauces are like people: some are natural and honest (raw), some are full of character and experience (fermented), and some come with an intense and mysterious story (smoky). But let's see exactly what it's all about and why it matters when choosing what to put on the table.

🥗 Raw sauces – "fresh & direct"

Raw sauces are made from fresh chili peppers, mixed with a few simple ingredients (oil, vinegar, spices). Their taste is vibrant, direct and full of freshness – like when you bite into a chili pepper picked from the garden.

👉 You can recognize them because they have an intense color, and the heat "hits" quickly and clearly. They are perfect for salads, tacos, or when you want to feel the "green", unadulterated heat.

🧪 Fermented sauces – “with depth”

This is culinary magic. The peppers are left to ferment for days, weeks, or even months to develop a complex flavor profile. The fermentation adds slightly sour notes, depth, and a more rounded flavor.

👉 Think about the difference between raw cabbage and sauerkraut – both good, but completely different. It's the same with fermented sauces: the spiciness is combined with a natural acidity that's hard to replicate.

🔥 Smoked sauces – the “rockstar of the grill”

When peppers (or even the final sauce) go through the smoking process, that smoky, barbecued, “I sat by the embers for 12 hours to get this good” flavor comes into play. Smoked sauces are robust, intense, and bring back memories of campfire evenings.

👉 They are ideal for grilled meats, burgers or anything you want to have that authentic American BBQ vibe.

😏 So... which is "the best"?

It depends on you and the moment:

Want something fast, fresh and impactful? → go raw .
Looking for depth and sophisticated flavor? → choose fermented .
Do you miss the grill and smoke? → put in a smoked meat .

The truth is that every type has its own charm and it's not wrong to have them all in the fridge (this way you also get rid of the dilemma of "what else should I surprise the guests with?").