Q: Dear Dave,We have a frozen vacuum-packed product. We would like to include within the previously described product a small portion pack of hot sauce. Will the hot sauce quality be affected? It is our understanding that frozen vacuum-packed products tend to have longer shelf lives than products packed otherwise. –Elliott A: Hello Elliott:The quality of the hot sauce would …
Sichuan Facing Heaven
Q: Hey Dave, I am looking for Sichuan Facing Heaven dried chiles. Is it possible they go by another name? None of the Asian markets in my area seem to have anything that looks like the Facing Heaven variety. Thanks, Karen A: Hello Karen:That variety is not available in the U.S. Substitute piquins.–Dave
Fiery Tequila
Q: Hello,We are in search of Fire God Tequila for one of your recipes. We are having a hard time finding it…. Would you happen to know where we can locate it? We understand it is made by the company Conquistador, but we have been unsuccessful in finding it or anyone that carries this particular tequila. Thank you, Alyssa A: …
Do Green Chiles Get Hotter as They Turn Red?
Q: Hi Dave,We have an office dispute here… Do green chiles (New Mexico) get hotter as they turn red? Is there a heat difference in the "heat" of a green chile dried on the plant vs. those dried by hanging or other methods?Thanks a fiery bunch, Randy A: Hello Randy:The amount of capsaicin in the pods does not increase as the …
Chile Grinders & Internet Shops
Q: Dear Dave:Two really important questions:1. Is there a one-stop shop anywhere on the internet where I can get ALL of my chiles? I’ve had a really hard time tracking down somewhere to buy some of the more uncommon chiles.2. What is the best chile grinder to prepare fresh ground chile powder, as it appears that many chiles are not …