Salsa

Although the word salsa was invented by the Spanish people, this group of flavorful condiments has origins that date back a long time before the Spanish were even introduced to them. It is said that the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas were the first to mix chilies, spices, and tomatoes in the creation of salsa.

The Spanish encountered it after their conquest in the 16th century. Originally, the Aztecs used it as a condiment that was served over fish, venison, or turkey. Today, there are numerous salsa varieties which can range from mild to hot, and they incorporate numerous other ingredients such as corn, beans, and onions.

In Mexico, there are three basic types of salsa: roasted, chili-based, and tomatillo salsas. The most popular salsas include favorites such as guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa roja, salsa verde, salsa cruda, and different types of moles.

Some of them are puréed until smooth, some are semi-chunky, while some are uniformely chopped into tiny pieces. These days, salsa is even bottled and sold throughout the world, continuing to spice up any meal that it is added to.