A type of green sauce popular in Mexican cuisine, salsa verde can be used in various ways, such as a topping for tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, or as a dip for chips. This condiments adds flavor to many dishes.
So, is salsa verde spicy?
The answer isn’t straightforward. The heat level of salsa verde can range from mild to quite hot, depending on the ingredients used and the recipe followed. Typically made from green tomatillos, jalapeños, or other green chilis, salsa verde’s spiciness can differ significantly.
How Spicy is the traditional Salsa Verde?
Let’s begin with the most common version of salsa verde, the kind you might encounter at your local grocery store or Mexican eatery. The classic salsa verde generally uses tomatillos as its base, which aren’t spicy themselves. The heat comes from the green chilis, like jalapeños or serranos, that are mixed in. Jalapeños usually have a Scoville heat rating of 2,500 to 8,000 SHU, giving salsa verde a gentle to moderate level of heat.
Serrano peppers are spicier, ranging from 10,000 to 23,000 SHU, so when they’re included, the salsa verde can be a bit more spicy.
Is All Salsa Verde Mild?
Not necessarily. While the traditional version tends to be on the milder side, there are many variations of salsa verde, each with its own degree of heat. For instance, some recipes call for a larger amount of hot peppers or even incorporate other fiery ingredients like habaneros, which are significantly hotter than jalapeños or serranos.
Habaneros can reach up to 350,000 SHU, so salsa verde made with these peppers will be much spicier. Additionally, whether the seeds and veins—the parts of the chili that contain the most heat—are included or removed can also affect the spiciness.
What About Grocery Store Salsa Verde?
When it comes to salsa verde bought in the store, the spice level can vary widely depending on the brand and the ingredients used. Some brands produce a very mild salsa verde, emphasizing the tangy taste of tomatillos rather than the heat of the chilis.
These milder options are perfect for those who prefer a more gentle flavor. On the other hand, some brands offer hotter versions for those who like their salsa with a bit more fire. It’s always a good idea to check the label or try a small amount first to gauge the heat level.
How Can You Adjust the Heat of Salsa Verde?
If you’re making salsa verde at home, you have the flexibility to adjust the spiciness to your liking. Want a mild salsa? Stick to tomatillos and just one or two jalapeños, with the seeds removed. Prefer something spicier? Add more serranos or even a hotter chili like a habanero or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
You can also try roasting the peppers before blending them, which can enhance the flavor and, depending on the pepper, might slightly mellow the heat.
