Hot sauce is an essential sauce for everyone who likes their food spicy and can add a hot profile to the recipes. Generally, the hot sauce is made from chili peppers but different versions of hot sauce have different ingredients. Similarly, fermented vs. unfermented hot sauce is a huge debate and we are sharing details about them with you!
Fermented vs Unfermented Hot Sauce
Fermented Hot Sauce
The fermented hot sauces have become the staples for every kitchen and it has been around for multiple generations now. For the most part, fermentation is often considered extremely complicated but it’s simple when you follow the right instructions. This is because fermentation is designed to be the decomposition of pepper mash for creating hot sauce (enzymes and bacteria are added for fermenting).
Generally, the pepper mash is submerged in salt brine and it’s sealed within the airtight lid and the jar is placed in a shaded area for at least one week (cabinets and dark corners are preferred). For the most part, fermentation takes around one week. At this point, it’s essential to note down that fermented hot sauce has a complex flavor.
However, the impact of fermentation is different on every ingredient, hence nuance in the taste. The fermentation tends to make the mellow flavor, which means the fermented hot sauce will be milder. When it comes down to the flavor, fermentation can create umami flavor notes and add an in-depth flavor. That being said, the fermented hot sauce goes perfectly to add flavor to bland recipes.
It has a complex and tangy flavor which is actually achieved by fermentation. In addition, there are probiotics in fermented hot sauce that make them safe to consume. On top of everything, the fermented hot sauce can be extremely easy to digest. It might sound surprising but fermentation helps prevent cold and respiratory issues. In addition, it improves liver performance.
However, you must consume it in moderate quantity. As far as the examples are concerned, the fermented hot sauces include the tabasco sauce and sriracha hot sauce. In case you aren’t known with the idea of fermentation, it’s the process of carbohydrate breakage. Topping it all, fermented hot sauces have a very distinctive flavor and these sauces must not be cooked.
Adding this hot sauce can add a fresh flavor profile to the recipe. We suggest that you add some to the salad or dressings to bring out a delicious flavor.
Unfermented Hot Sauce
To begin with, the unfermented hot sauce is pretty simple. This is because the unfermented hot sauce is made by combining pepper mash and vinegar (the 50-50 mixture is used). On the other hand, people can choose the quantity that meets the flavor and taste preferences. The best thing about unfermented hot sauce will be ready as soon you mix the pepper mash and vinegar.
As far as the flavor of unfermented hot sauce is concerned, every ingredient delivers an upfront flavor (yes, there is no complex flavor). The most intriguing fact is that unfermented hot sauce has a hotter profile because there is no mellowing-down of peppers. For the most part, unfermented hot sauce can be easy and quick to make. This hot sauce is perfect for adding spiciness and zing to the recipe.
The best thing about the unfermented hot sauce is that you can control the flavor and you can even temper the heat, sweetness, and umami notes. The unfermented hot sauces include the smokey dragon sauce that’s made with fresh tomatoes, hence the punchier and sweeter flavor. Some people also cook the ingredients to make the unfermented hot sauce (it really mixes up the flavors).
When we talk about cooking the hot sauce ingredients for making the unfermented sauce, you need to be extremely careful. This is because if ingredients burn, it will ruin the taste of your sauce. Truth be told, unfermented heat sauce is extremely simple and you can mix up the ingredients that suit your taste preferences.
The Bottom Line
To summarize, the unfermented and fermented hot sauces are two different options and undergo extremely different processes. Even if the same ingredients are used, the taste profile and taste will be extremely different because of different processes. Lastly, unfermented hot sauces tend to be hotter as compared to fermented hot sauces, so choose what you want!