Last updated on March 9th, 2023 at 11:05 am
Is Chamoy spicy? That’s probably the question that came to mind when you first saw this spice in stores.
Chamoy is a popular Mexican condiment used as either paste or powder. And for a sauce that has so many uses, is it spicy?
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Chamoy and figure out whether or not it is spicy and what it’s made of.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or not, this post is sure to satisfy your curiosity about this flavorful and versatile condiment.
But first…
Is Chamoy Spicy?
Chamoy is a popular Mexican condiment that combines sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. While chamoy can be spicy, the level of spiciness can vary depending on the brand and recipe used to make it. Some chamoy preparations may not be spicy, while others can be hot.
The Mexican condiment with Chinese origins
While Chamoy is known for its popularity in Mexican cuisine, its origin can be traced to the Chinese. History suggests that as Chinese workers migrated to Hawaii, they introduced their tradition of li hing mui, where they dried and salted plums. The Cantonese name for the dried and preserved crack seed is see mui, pronounced as “see moy,” hence the name Chamoy.
However, Chamoy, as we know it today, took hundreds of years to develop and has since been a staple part of Mexican food. It has further traveled worldwide and is today a top pick for anyone after a sauce with delicious flavors.
What is Chamoy?
Chamoy is a Mexican condiment made from a base of pickled fruits, usually mangoes, plums, prunes, or apricots, with chilies, lime juice, and sugar. Take note that there are different varieties of Chamoy sauce that you will find in the Mexican food section made with ingredients such as watermelon, tamarind, or pineapple that have equally become popular. Also, besides Chamoy sauce, you will find powdered Chamoy and exciting varieties in candy form.
What does Chamoy taste like?
Chamoy has a unique flavor profile as it is sweet and sour with the right amount of spicy. This outstanding balance comes from the ingredients that give it all four flavors, as shown:
- Pickled fruits give it a sour flavor
- Chile peppers make it spicy
- Lime juice gives it an extra punch of sour, salty, and spicy
- Sugar makes it sweet
For many first-timers, Chamoy has a sweet, sour taste similar to tamarind but is well-balanced with its spiciness. Also, despite being made of dried and tart fruits, their sourness is not a dominant flavor.
How spicy is Chamoy sauce?
Chamoy sauce is generally mildly spicy and tangy with a sweet-sour taste. The preparation method determines how spicy Chamoy sauce will be, depending on the amount and type of chili peppers used. In contrast, others use fewer chili peppers and fermented fruits for an extra sour punch.
How different is Chamoy from the hot sauce?
Chimoy is a type of hot sauce as it is a source made of chilies, lime, and salt. However, this sauce’s distinctive taste comes from the fermented fruits that give it a sweet, savory flavor. The best Chamoy sauce blends sweetness, sourness, tanginess, and spiciness perfectly.
Despite containing chilies, Mexican Chamoy cannot be described as hot as it is balanced with sugar’s sweetness and fermented fruit’s sourness.
How to make Chamoy sauce
Unlike most Mexican sauces, Chamoy sauce can easily be made at home as the ingredients required for making it are readily available. Typically, the ingredients you will need to make homemade Chamoy sauce are:
- Dried apricots or raisins
- Dried chili peppers
- Dried hibiscus flowers
- Tajin chili powder
- Lime juice
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
Steps to follow
1. Simmmer the dry fruit and hibiscus flowers. Mix the dried apricots/raisins with the hibiscus flower in a saucepan. Add water, allow to boil before reducing the heat, and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Blend the mixture. After the mixture has cooled, blend it with granulated sugar until it becomes very smooth.
3. Strain the mixture before adding lime and salt. Use a sieve to strain the mixture. Add lime and little bits of salt. Do not add too much lime and salt, as you need a sweet and spicy condiment
What do you eat Chamoy sauce with?
When you try Chamoy sauce for the first time, you will quickly realize why it is hailed for its versatility. You can taste this sauce by dipping it into fresh fruit like watermelon, pineapple, peaches, apples, and mango.
Alternatively, drizzle it over your favorite chips or fresh vegetables, especially crunchy ones like jicama, carrots, and celery. You can also use this liquid sauce to glaze any meat option, including pork chops, ham, chicken, and meatballs. Chamoy can also be mixed into cocktails or rim cocktail glasses to add a nice savory kick to your favorite drink.
Final Take on The Spice Level of Chamoy
Chamoy candy is fast becoming one of the most popular Mexican candies, thanks to its unique flavor. Like Chamoy sauce, this fruit snack has an irresistible balance of spiciness, sourness, tanginess, and sweetness. This is an excellent choice if you want spicy candy that will constantly water your mouth. You will easily find chewy or hard candies, depending on your preferences.
FAQs on Chamoy
Is Chamoy and Tajin the same?
No, Chamoy and Tajin are different. Typically, Tajin refers to the range of sauces from a Mexican company, including a Chamoy variety made of apricots, dried chili peppers, lime juice, and salt. On the other hand, Chamoy is a sweet, sour, and spicy Mexican condiment with a slightly salty flavor.
Is Chamoy an acquired taste?
Yes, Chamoy is an acquired taste as many people do not instantly like it, but eventually, they do. If you are new to Mexican food, you might not instantly like it due to its intense flavor.
Is it good to eat Chamoy frequently?
While it is good to eat Chamoy occasionally, it is not healthy to eat it too frequently. Just like ketchup, a little bit of Chamoy sauce on a fresh mango is good, but pouring it on every food you eat is not advisable. Eating Chamoy too frequently can also lead to heartburn and gastritis. This is caused by the high fiber content in dried fruit that can upset the stomach.
How do you store Chamoy?
Most manufactured Chamoy in grocery stores and supermarkets contain preservatives and should be stored in a cool, dry place. However, if you have made your bottle of Chamoy from our easy recipe, you need to keep it refrigerated and use it for 1 to 2 months.
Is Chamoy vegan?
Chamoy is an excellent sweet chili sauce for vegetarians as it does not contain animal products. It is also gluten-free, making it a perfect condiment for people watching their diet.
What do Mexicans use Chamoy for?
Chamoy is a popular street food condiment in Mexico, where it is used as a topping for fruits, drizzled on nachos and tortilla chips, or as a dipping sauce for meat. Mexicans also love this sauce when it issued to flavor raspados, which is s a refreshing snack made of shaved ice and different syrups.
