Taste Test: salsa verde
KATHY SAUNDERSTampa Bay TimesTuesday, March 13, 2012 4:30am
|
|
|
|
| Serving size |
2 tablespoons |
2 tablespoons |
2 tablespoons |
| Calories |
10 |
10 |
5 |
| Fat/Fiber |
0g / 0g |
0g / 0g |
0g / 0g |
| Sugars/Sodium |
1g / 240mg |
1g / 200mg |
1g / 170mg |
| Carbs/Protein |
2g / 0g |
2g / 0g |
2g / 0g |
Salsa verde can be an Italian-inspired relish with ingredients like pickles, vinegar, olive oil, parsley and capers. Or, it can take on a Mexican flavor with a base of tangy tomatillos and seasonings like chili peppers, lime and cilantro. We sampled six brands of Mexican-style salsa verde found in bottles or cans at local grocery stores. Our three top picks ranged from mild to medium in heat levels and all three would work great as chip dips, taco condiments or colorful dressings on any Mexican dish.
Kathy Saunders, Times correspondent
Product/Score
(out of 100) | Archer Farms
68 | La Preferida
62 | Ortega 58 |
Judges'
comments | "This is the brightest, the liveliest and the chunkiest of the bunch," said one judge. She loved the "loads of tomatillo seeds and bits of chili." It had a strong cumin flavor and "just enough heat." Another said he was impressed with the "real chilies, chunky texture and authentic flavor." He said, "I can't wait to use this on my chicken enchiladas." | Judges gave this brand high marks for the bold green color and good balance of chunky textures. "There's real heat to this one — it's nicely fruity but also has good fire," said one. "I love the flavor." Another compared the texture to okra, saying he was a little turned off by the consistency. However, he said, "I love the super taste." | Ortega's salsa verde was the most homemade-looking of those tasted. "It has lots of seeds and a good, thick texture," said one panelist. "I would say the flavor is delightful!" Another said he liked the brand for its crisp flavor. "I also like that the taste doesn't linger too long on the tongue," he said. "This would be particularly good on a spicier dish." |
Would
they buy? | Three of the four judges said yes. | Three of the four judges said yes. | Two of the four judges said yes. |
| Shopping information | $3.59 for a 24-ounce jar
from Target. | $2.50 for a 16-ounce bottle
from Fresh Market. | $3.59 for a 16-ounce jar
from Publix. |
Also Sampled: Herdez ($1.59 for a 7-ounce can from Publix, 52 points); Pace ($2.59 for a 16-ounce jar from Publix, 26 points); and Fresh Market ($3.99 for a 16-ounce jar, 22 points).
Panelists: Nan Jensen, registered dietitian; Jim Yockey, aesthetician at Clinique of Plastic Surgery in St. Petersburg; John Hehn, foodie and owner of All Brite Lighting & Power Design Inc.; and Laura Reiley, Times food critic. All foods were tasted blind.
Send suggestions for product testing to: Taste section, Tampa Bay Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731 or e-mail them to jkeeler@tampabay.com. Please put TEST SUGGESTION in the subject line. To read past Taster's Choice columns, go to food.tampabay.com.
Taste Test: salsa verde 03/13/12
[Last modified: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 4:30am]
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