All Fresh Ingredients
All of our ingredients are listed on the back of each bottle of Tio’s salsa. But they are all locally-sourced, fresh ingredients, handcut, and crafted into one of the best salsas you will ever taste. All of the ingredients we use are listed below (but not all these ingredients are in every bottle). We adjust the ingredients to create a mild, medium, spicy and other variations of salsa.
Tomatillos
Tomatillos, a staple ingredient in many traditional Mexican salsas, are small, green fruits encased in a papery husk. Known for their tart, citrusy flavor, tomatillos add a bright, tangy note that perfectly balances the heat of chiles and the richness of other ingredients in salsa. Whether roasted, boiled, or blended raw, tomatillos are the key to creating vibrant green salsas like salsa verde, bringing authentic flavor and fresh character to countless Mexican dishes.
Jalapeños
Jalapeños are one of the most iconic and versatile chili peppers used in Mexican salsa, known for their medium heat and bright, grassy flavor. They add a zesty kick without overwhelming the palate, making them a favorite in both fresh and cooked salsas. Whether finely chopped into pico de gallo or roasted to deepen their smoky notes, jalapeños bring balance and boldness to salsa recipes, enhancing everything from tacos to grilled meats with authentic Mexican flair.
Serranos
Serrano peppers are a popular choice for Mexican salsas, prized for their vibrant heat and crisp, fresh flavor. Smaller and hotter than jalapeños, serranos pack a spicy punch that intensifies the flavor of salsas without overpowering the other ingredients. They’re commonly used raw or lightly charred to bring out their natural brightness, making them ideal for fresh salsas like salsa cruda or salsa verde. With their bold heat and clean taste, serranos are essential for salsa lovers who crave an extra kick of authentic Mexican spice.
Habaneros
Habanero peppers are a fiery favorite in Mexican salsa, known for their intense heat and uniquely fruity, floral flavor. These small, lantern-shaped chiles can bring serious spice, but when used carefully, they add a rich complexity that elevates salsas from simple to unforgettable. Often paired with tropical fruits or roasted ingredients to balance their heat, habaneros are perfect for salsas that aim to deliver both bold flavor and a lasting burn. For spice lovers, a habanero salsa offers an authentic taste of Mexico’s hotter side.
Avocados
Avocados add a creamy, rich texture and subtle, buttery flavor to Mexican salsas, creating a smooth and satisfying contrast to the heat of chiles and the acidity of lime or tomatillos. Often used in salsas like guacamole or blended green salsas, avocados provide a cooling element that balances spicy ingredients while enhancing the salsa’s overall body and mouthfeel. Their natural creaminess makes them a beloved addition to both traditional and modern salsa recipes, offering a delicious taste of Mexico’s culinary versatility.
Onions
Onions are a foundational ingredient in Mexican salsa, adding depth, crunch, and a subtle sweetness or sharpness depending on how they’re prepared. Whether used raw for a crisp bite in fresh salsas like pico de gallo, or roasted and blended for a mellow richness in cooked salsas, onions help balance the heat of chiles and the acidity of tomatoes or tomatillos. White onions are most traditional in Mexican cuisine, prized for their clean, pungent flavor that enhances the overall profile of the salsa without overpowering it.
Garlic
Garlic cloves bring a bold, aromatic depth to Mexican salsa, enriching the flavor with their distinctive savory bite. Whether used raw for a sharp, pungent kick or roasted for a mellow, slightly sweet undertone, garlic complements the heat of chiles and the brightness of ingredients like tomatoes and tomatillos. Just a clove or two can transform a simple salsa into a layered, flavorful condiment that captures the essence of traditional Mexican cooking. Garlic is a small but powerful ingredient that no authentic salsa should be without.
Salt (just a little bit)
Salt may be a simple ingredient, but it’s essential in Mexican salsa for bringing out and balancing the natural flavors of every component. Just the right amount of salt can enhance the sweetness of tomatoes, the tang of tomatillos, and the heat of chiles, tying all the elements together into a harmonious blend. It acts as a flavor amplifier, making each bite of salsa more vibrant and satisfying. Whether used in fresh or cooked salsas, salt is the finishing touch that turns good salsa into something truly delicious.