The Best Ingredients From All Over the World
CRNCHI CRNCHE uses an international mix of ingredients. Los Angeles is the headquarters of CRNCHI CRNCHE, and our condiment incorporates and reflects the immense cultural wealth of the city. LA's incredible markets stock the freshest ingredients from all over the world.
Our recipe is centered around chilie peppers. The ones we use are not selected for heat, but rather for flavor. We choose rich, mineralistic, smokey, fruity, stimulating varieties.
Yes, CRNCHI CRNCHE is spicy but less so than most hot sauces! Most of all, it is flavorful.
The Secret Ingredient
Ok we'll tell you. Our not-so-secret ingredient is Sun Dried Tomatoes. Nature's concentrated gems, they encapsulate the essence of ripe tomatoes intensified by the sun. These vibrant crimson morsels exude tartness and sweetness. This is the core of our umami or savory character. Our tomatoes are fried with the chilies and powerfully enhance the inherent flavors of your food.
We exclusively use California Sun Dried Tomatoes. Grown in the central valley, they are relatively local. California's sunny climate and fertile soil creates excellent flavor. This ingredient lets CRNCHI CRNCHE shine everywhere catchup would be used!
Garlic and Shallots
Fried golden brown, in CRNCHI CRNCHE, garlic and shallots provide most of the crackling crunch. On it's own, garlic can be bitter, almost astringent, biting. Shallots on their own can be sweet, almost caramel candy-like.
Together, the savory depth of the garlic harmonizes beautifully with the sweet and mild oniony notes of the shallots. This is a core element of our balanced and dynamic flavor profile that enhances a wide range of dishes, adding layers of complexity and a satisfying crunch.
A Delightful Spice Blend
We tested many spices including Shallots, Garlic, Anise, Cinnamon, Fennel Seeds, Cloves, Scallions, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Coriander Seeds, Mustard Seeds, White Pepper, Lemongrass, Curry Leaves, Galangal, Dried Seaweed, Gochugaru, Sichuan Pepper, Paprika, Saffron, Sumac, Cardamom, Turmeric, Ginger Cumin, Nutmeg, Allspice, Doubanjiang, Wasabi, Nori, Pink Peppercorns, Epazote, Cloves, Mace, Juniper Berries, Amchur, Dried Limes, Asafoetida!
Whew. Spices combine in unexpected ways forming new compounds and perceptual synergies. This took a lot of testing and it was worth it.
We use 9 simple spices that together, make a new proprietary blend. Other such blends include Ras El Hanout, Garam Masala,Old Bay,Berbere, Herbs de Provence, Adobo. Our spices provides both subtle and dynamic aroma and character to CRNCHI CRNCHE.
Mexican Chilie Culture
Mexico has a rich and deeply ingrained chili culture with over 150 varieties. This culture is rooted in the country's long history with chili peppers, which are native to the Americas and have been a staple in Mexican cuisine and agriculture for thousands of years.
Our principal ingredient, we choose Mexican Chilies not for heat, but rather for flavor. We embrace fruity, rich, mineralistic, and smokey varieties. They are extremely low heat, comparable to that of a bell pepper.
Thai Chilie Culture
We also use Thai chlies. Los Angeles is home to a thriving Thai community who run the best Thai restaurants in the country. Thai cuisine is renowned for its harmonious blend of spicy, sour, sweet, and salty flavors, and chilies contribute significantly to this balance in our condiment.
We use a celebrated Thai chilie variety to exhilarate the flavor profile of CRNCHI CRNCHE while adding a distinctive vibrance and a memorable, invigorating edge.
