More Than Just Hot Sauce

Hot sauce, wildlife, and a favorite destination

“Tabasco on the Table” by author

Do Capozucca asked: Are you a sambal, piri-piri or Tabasco person? Do you like spicy food or do you prefer to keep it plain and simple?

I’m a middle-of-the-road kind of person. I like food with some kick — not too hot, not too bland. Living in South Louisiana, that’s easy enough, because TABASCO® Brand and other Louisiana hot sauces are as common on the table as salt and pepper.

I live near Avery Island, where Tabasco sauce is made. It was first made shortly after the Civil War. Edmund McIlhenny used three ingredients: peppers, salt from a mine on the island, and vinegar. Those three ingredients are still the same in today’s original sauce, which is aged for about three years in oak barrels. And the island is still owned by the McIlhenny family.

One tidbit I learned is that pepper pickers use a red stick called a baton rouge to determine if a pepper is red enough to pick.

Over the years, the brand has expanded to offer nine varieties, including chipotle, habanero, and green pepper.

We have often taken visitors, especially our grandchildren, to Avery Island and the Tabasco plant to tour the factory where the sauce is made and bottled. It’s interesting to see the many languages on the labels, since the sauce is sold around the world.

A restaurant is also on the grounds, along with a store that carries Tabasco-themed goods for everyone, ranging from clothing to toys to dishes and kitchenware.

As you can see from the picture, with its salt and pepper shakers from the Tabasco store and a large bottle of sauce, Tabasco is quite popular in our home.

The beautiful Jungle Gardens Sanctuary is also on the island. It’s known for its birds and wildlife, as well as for its beautiful plants and Buddha temple. If you are ever in the area, it’s a great place to see. Even after many visits, I still find it intriguing.

White Egrets Nesting on Avery Island by author

Many thanks to Adrienne Beaumont and tC editors.

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