Tabasco pepper jelly is a sweet and spicy condiment made from Tabasco peppers, sugar, vinegar, and pectin. The main ingredients that give this jelly its unique flavor are Tabasco peppers, which are a variety of hot chili peppers, and vinegar. Let’s take a closer look at the key components that go into this popular pepper jelly.
Tabasco Peppers
Tabasco peppers are the foundation of Tabasco pepper jelly. They give the jelly its signature spicy kick and bright red color. Tabasco peppers are a variety of chili peppers that range from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units on the Scoville scale. That makes them about as hot as jalapeño peppers. On the Scoville scale, the heat ratings for peppers are as follows:
| Pepper Type | Scoville Heat Units |
|---|---|
| Bell pepper | 0 |
| Jalapeño | 2,500-8,000 |
| Tabasco pepper | 30,000-50,000 |
| Habanero | 100,000-350,000 |
| Carolina Reaper | 1,400,000-2,200,000 |
As you can see, Tabasco peppers are moderately hot peppers that add a spicy zip but not extreme heat. The peppers are grown on Avery Island in Louisiana and harvested by hand. They are then aged for up to three years in barrels to develop their signature flavor before being mashed into pepper jelly.
Vinegar
Vinegar is the second integral ingredient in Tabasco pepper jelly. White distilled vinegar is used to provide acidity and tartness to balance out the sweetness of the jelly. Vinegar also acts as a preservative and stabilizing agent in the jelly. The vinegar aids in extracting flavor from the Tabasco peppers during processing. It allows the peppers’ capsicum oils and aromatics to infuse into the vinegar. The vinegar’s acidic nature also tempers the heat of the peppers slightly.
Sugar
Sugar is essential for making pepper jelly because it provides sweetness to counterbalance the heat of the peppers and acidity of the vinegar. Granulated white cane sugar is used in Tabasco pepper jelly. The right balance of sugar and vinegar allows the real star – the Tabasco peppers – to shine through. Too little sugar, and the jelly would be too spicy and sour. Too much sugar, and the nuanced pepper flavor would get drowned out.
Fruit Juice
To add more flavor complexity and texture, Tabasco pepper jelly also contains fruit juice as a minor ingredient. Often, pineapple or orange juice is used. The tropical fruit juices complement the peppers’ fruitiness. Fruit juice also lends the jelly some body and a rounded mouthfeel. Because juices contain natural sugars and acids, they also help stabilize the pepper jelly.
Pectin
Pectin is the natural gelling agent that gives Tabasco pepper jelly its spreadable semi-solid consistency. Pectin is a water-soluble carbohydrate fiber found in fruits. For pepper jelly, powdered pectin derived from citrus fruit or apples is used. Pectin requires sugar and acidity to activate its gelling properties. The right balance of sugar and vinegar allow the pectin to set the pepper jelly.
Preservatives
To prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life, Tabasco pepper jelly contains potassium sorbate as a preservative. Potassium sorbate inhibits mold and yeast growth. It serves as an additional preserving agent along with the vinegar. A tiny amount of xanthan gum may also be added. Xanthan gum helps thicken the jelly and prevent separation of ingredients.
Water
Water is necessary to dissolve the ingredients and create the right viscosity for Tabasco pepper jelly. The water hydrates the powdered pectin so it can set. Water also balances out the proportions of vinegar, sugar, and Tabasco peppers to achieve the ideal sweet-spicy taste profile.
Spices and Seasonings
Other spices and seasonings can sometimes be added to Tabasco pepper jelly to provide more complex flavors. Options may include garlic, onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon, or cloves. However, the jelly is designed to highlight the Tabasco peppers, so additional seasonings are used sparingly.
Food Coloring
To amplify the vibrant red color from the Tabasco peppers, red food coloring may be added to Tabasco pepper jelly. Food coloring provides an eye-catching, consistent red hue. However, some artisanal versions may opt not to use food coloring for a more natural look.
The Complete Ingredient List
Based on the key components outlined above, here is a typical list of ingredients found in Tabasco brand pepper jelly:
- Tabasco peppers
- Distilled vinegar
- Sugar
- Pectin
- Water
- Potassium sorbate
- Sodium benzoate
- Xanthan gum
- Garlic powder
- Natural flavor
- Paprika extract
- Red food coloring
As you can see, it’s a fairly straightforward ingredients list with the main components being Tabasco peppers, vinegar, sugar, and pectin. Preservatives and seasonings fill out the recipe to create the perfect peppery jelly.
How Tabasco Pepper Jelly Is Made
Now that we’ve looked at the ingredients, let’s briefly explore the process for actually making Tabasco pepper jelly:
- Harvest and age Tabasco peppers to develop flavor
- Blend together Tabasco peppers and vinegar
- Allow pepper-vinegar mixture to sit so flavors can infuse
- Measure and mix sugar, pectin, and any extra juices or seasonings
- Bring pepper-vinegar mixture to a boil
- Gradually add pectin-sugar mixture while boiling
- Boil for 1-2 minutes more until thickened to jelly consistency
- Add food coloring and preservatives
- Pour jelly into sterilized jars or containers
- Allow to cool and set
It’s a pretty straightforward jelly making process. The key is allowing time for the Tabasco peppers to infuse their flavor into the vinegar and getting the right gel set with the pectin and sugar.
How to Use Tabasco Pepper Jelly
Tabasco pepper jelly is extremely versatile with a nice balance of sweet and spicy. Here are some of the most popular ways to use it:
- Spread on crackers and cream cheese
- Dollop on savory dishes like eggs, pizza, wings, etc.
- Use as a glaze on meat like ham, chicken or pork
- Stir into dips and spreads for a kick
- Fill inside jalapeño poppers
- Top biscuits and cornbread
- Garnish on a charcuterie or cheese board
- Swirl into softened butter
- Blend into vinaigrettes and salad dressings
- Drizzle over goat cheese
A little dollop of Tabasco pepper jelly goes a long way to spice up a variety of foods. It’s great for both sweet and savory applications thanks to its unique flavor profile.
Conclusion
Tabasco pepper jelly gets its signature sweet heat from a straightforward but delicious combination of aged Tabasco peppers, vinegar, sugar, and pectin. Supporting ingredients like fruit juice, preservatives, and seasonings round out the flavor. With a nice balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy, it’s a versatile condiment that can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. A dollop of Tabasco pepper jelly is all you need to give your foods a flavorful kick.