Salsa Yucateco is made from green unripe Habanero peppers. They are some of the hottest peppers in existence and are native to Central and South America and the Caribbean Islands. The habanero is recognized as the most intensely hot farmed chili in the world. This means that salsa yucateco is hottest chili sauces available for purchase on the planet. So, it is taken as given that if you like your food then this is the sauce for you! Aside from this pre-requisite for chili heaven (or hell depending on your perspective), what other substances does salsa yucateco contain?
Capsaicin: This is the compound that gives all chilies their kick, the more capsaicin the more kick and so by deduction, salsa yucateco contains more of it than any other generally available sauce. The compound is a recognized anti-oxidant and so help the body remove potentially dangerous free radicals. It also has a role in regulating insulin levels and so could help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Vitamin C: Habaneros contains much more ascorbic acid (vitamin C) than an equal serving of citrus fruit. Vitamin C facilitates the work of proteins in wound repair and keeps the immune system at optimum strength. It also works as an anti-oxidant and there is more vitamin C in green habaneros than the red ripe variety. It is also used in the construction of collagen which is needed for healthy teeth and bones and the connective tissues which hold them in place
Vitamin A: A soluble vitamin which is important for healthy skin, eyes and hair.
Folic Acid/ folate: It is important for pregnant women but also increases the efficiency with which glycogen is converted to glucose. This means it has role to play in weight control and ensuring a healthy metabolism.
Amino Acids: These are substances which are needed for the manufacture of proteins and some neurotransmitters such as serotonin.
For salsa yucateco all you need to do is err on the side of caution, (this is a hot sauce), until you get used to it
So if you can get used to the fiery sensation in your mouth salsa yucateco can also be a component of a healthy diet. Finally, we don’t know how but habaneros also cause the body to release endorphins, perhaps this is why the Aztecs and Mayans used the Habanero as an aphrodisiac!
