Hot sauce, as we know it today, typically refers to any spicy sauce made from chilli peppers and other ingredients.

The journey of hot sauces in the UK is an exciting (and spicy) one and is closely tied to the broader history of spice trade and culinary evolution.

While this blog is looking at the history, here at HOT BOSS we are proud to be a part of the present and future of UK hot sauces.

In this blog, we’re going to look back at what came before and have a sneak peek at what might lie ahead.

HOT SAUCE IN THE UK

Where it All Began

The story of hot sauce in the UK is quite a tale, combining the nation’s history with its global influences.

Initially, hot sauces found little place in traditional British cuisine, known for its classic, understated flavours. However, this began to change as British citizens ventured across the British Empire.

The colonial era introduced us Brits to a bunch of spicy cuisines, and people soon found they loved the kick of a hot chilli drizzled on their food.

In the Caribbean, they encountered Pepperpot, a robust stew, which was a stark contrast to what they were used to, and tongues got wagging about these new flavours (and not just because of the spice!).

Meanwhile, the rich spices of Indian curries we still love today won the hearts of many.

These flavoursome experiences were transformative, igniting a newfound appreciation for bold, spicy flavours among anyone lucky enough to take a bite.

Upon their return, these world travellers brought a craving for spice back to the UK, and the demand for delicious hot sauces began to grow. However, replicating these exotic tastes on British soil proved challenging.

For one, we were lacking in some key ingredients, such as the chillies and spices that were so essential to creating a fiery flavour.

Nonetheless, the interest in hot sauces gradually began to warm up (get it?).

Hot Sauces in the UK Today

Today, hot sauce is a celebrated component of British cuisine and is often found covering NACHOS, BURGERS, WINGS, and more. Its popularity even eclipses that of traditional sauces like tomato ketchup, and we all know how much we Brits love a dollop of that!

This rise in popularity has been bolstered by a growing number of local chilli farmers and the broader influence of international food trends. The UK now boasts a diverse range of hot sauces, such as our range here at Hot Boss.

The current hot sauce market in the UK is a vibrant and varied one, reflecting the nation’s continuing interest in exploring and enjoying new and adventurous flavours, and there’s nothing more adventurous than a spicy hot sauce.

In fact, speaking of UK hot sauces, did you know some of the hottest Chillies in the world were actually developed in the UK?

UK CHILLIES THAT ALWAYS ADD SOME SPICE|

The Naga Viper Chilli

The Naga Viper Chilli was created in Cumbria, England by chilli farmer Gerald Fowler of the Chilli Pepper company.

The chilli is a vicious three-way hybrid involving the Naga Morich, the Bhut jolokia and the Trinidad scorpion.

They are commonly used in the preparation of fiery hot sauces, tangy spicy pickles, flavourful salsas, aromatic marinades, and intense curry pastes.

 In 2011, it was recorded by the Guinness World Records as the “World’s Hottest Chilli” and achieved a rating of 1,382,118 Scoville heat units (SHU).

For comparison, jalapenos fall in the range of between approximately 2,500 to 10,000 SHU.

Is your mouth burning yet?

The Armageddon

Coming in at a whopping 400 times spicier than a jalapeno, the Armageddon Chilli Pepper is the world’s first F1 (first generation) ‘Super Hot’ chilli pepper.

It holds a rating of 1.3 million SHU and was developed by Salvatore Genvoese in Bedfordshire, England.

It was introduced to the UK market in 2019, where customers were advised to ‘wear gloves’ when handling the Chillies!

The Infinity Chilli

The Infinity Chilli pepper is a notable hybrid of the Capsicum chinense species, renowned for its extreme heat. It was created in England by Nick Woods of Fire Foods in Grantham, Lincolnshire, and boasts a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of 1,067,286.

The Infinity chilli pepper is characterised by its wrinkled, rough skin and a bulbous shape with a pointy tail.

Its taste initially has a layer of fruitiness, but don’t be fooled, it isn’t long before the intense heat kicks in. While you may seem safe initially, the heat builds up to a severe level that lasts for a long time.

Amazingly, the Infinity chilli was a surprise discovery in his greenhouse, where crossbreeding between different chilli varieties occurred naturally.

The Infinity chilli was used in an extremely spicy curry called “The Widower,” made with 20 Infinity chillies, in the Bindi restaurant in Grantham.

It was claimed to be the world’s hottest curry, with more than three hundred people attempting it before one brave soul successfully finished a plate!

HOT BOSS HOT SAUCES

Has this blog got the attention of your taste buds?

Here at Hot Boss, we offer various sauces that you’ll be glad (or maybe disappointed!) to hear don’t quite reach the millions in Scoville heat units.

HOT BOSS Original

Encapsulating the essence of the Hot Boss flavour, this hot sauce is an authentic South Indian blend of garamasla spices which adds gentle heat and bags of flavour.

Added to dips, marinades, curries, or dressings allows the mild chilli flavour in this hot sauce to shine.

HOT BOSS Hot

For the full Hot Boss experience, set taste buds zinging with this extra spicy, extra hot sauce.

Add this chilli filled South Indian blend to any dish like fried chicken, sandwiches, pasta salads or stir fries and raise the taste sensation bar.

No other heat in the world is quite the same.

HOT BOSS Smokey

Experience a smooth Hot Boss taste sensation with this delicious blend of South Indian spices and smoked red peppers.

Elevate your dishes with a sweet, spicy heat with chargrilled, smoky undertones. Get creative with grilled meats, BBQs, chilli con carne, Bolognese and relish.

TRY OUR HOT SAUCES TODAY

The history of UK hot sauces is as interesting as it is mouthwatering.

Fancy trying a UK brand of spicy sauce for yourself?

Then head on over to the Shop today, for a taste sensation you’re sure not to forget in a hurry.

Want to know more? Then get in touch at info@hotbossbrands.co.uk who are always happy to help.