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Community Corner

Bites Nearby: Sizzling Salsas

Whether you like it fiery hot or tropically fruity, salsa choices are good and plenty right here in the Woodbury area.

According to market research, salsas have taken over as the No. 1 condiment in America.

Salsa, which means "sauce" in Spanish, can be eaten at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Of course, how you use your salsa is strictly a personal choice. You can add it to omelets, wraps, salads, grilled breads or use it to zip up grilled meats or fish. Below are a few of our favorite salsas easily found in the Woodbury area.

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Rainbow Foods has a fresh salsa bar with choices that range mild to spicy hot. Their mango salsa has a citrus tang to it with refreshing flavor profiles of chopped mango, zings of tomato, peppers, onion and fresh cilantro. Pair it with a chilled salmon salad and a glass of peach-flavored iced tea. Rainbow locations are located at 7053 10th St. N. in Oakdale and 7050 Valley Creek Plaza in Woodbury.

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Located in the refrigerated section is Trader Joe’s traditional-style mild salsa, and black bean and roast corn salsas. Their mild traditional-style salsa has a touch of sweetness to it, making it a real kid favorite. It’s also a great salsa to sneak in those vegetables servings, too. Trader Joe’s is located at 8960 Hudson Road in Woodbury.

The black bean and roast corn salsa is made with black beans, roasted corn, green pepper, red onion, vinegar, cilantro, sea salt and chipotle pepper. This medium-spicy salsa is a super colorful way to dress up grilled chicken or plain hot dogs. The spicy heat lingers on the palate, so you’ll want to wash it down with a cold Mexican beer. Take time to snoop through the store, as there are many other fresh and canned salsa choices at Trader Joe’s ranging from mild to hot.

Kowalski’s carries some yummy and unique salsas. Terri Bennis, of Kowalski’s Markets, said one of their signature recipes, salsa di parmigiano, is a big seller. “We incorporate many of our salsas into our recipes,” Bennis said.

Found in the deli area, the salsa di parmigiano has an Italian flavor profile, and is made with olive oil, imported parmesan cheese, asiago cheese, garlic, green onion, oregano, black pepper and red pepper. Use it as a bruschetta topping, mix it into a chilled pasta salad, stuff it into a hamburger or toss it into hot pasta. 

Located in the produce area, the mango salsa is made fresh daily and the main ingredients include freshly chopped mango, pineapple, papaya, citrus juice, onion, fresh cilantro and yellow, green and red peppers. Try this one with grilled halibut and a glass of pinot grigio.

One unique salsa found at Kowalski’s is their tequila salsa. Bennis said most of the tequila is cooked down, leaving only a hint of the tequila flavoring. Take it to the river or the lake with bags of tortilla chips and frozen lemonade or margaritas! Kowalski’s Market is located at 8505 Valley Creek Rd, Woodbury.

For a fun salsa taste test, gather up a sampling of Chipotle’s four salsas from any of their locations. Taste the salsas like you would at a wine tasting (from sweet to hot), only this tasting will require a side of ice-cold beer.

Chipotle tries to source most of their foods locally when in season, and sustain organically grown when possible and you’ll taste that difference in their salsas.

Begin your tasting with the roasted chili-corn salsa. The sweet taste of corn is blended with roasted poblano peppers, jalapeno peppers, red onions and freshly chopped cilantro giving this salsa a sweet heat. 

Next, try the fresh tomato. It’s a classic salsa, with chopped red-ripe tomatoes, mixed with red onions, jalapeno peppers, freshly chopped cilantro and is mild on the heat gauge. 

Then, taste the tomatillo-green chili.  Made with tomatillos, tomatoes, jalapenos, several spices and freshly chopped cilantro, it’s a very distinctive sauce that is perfect for those who like some spicy heat in their salsa. 

Make sure the beer is icy cold for the last salsa, as this flaming hot tomatillo-red chili salsa will give your palate a fiery salute. As far as salsas go, it’s very full-bodied and just remember, it’s made with pureed chiles. Enough said. Chipotle locations are at 7455 Currell Blvd. and 9965 Hudson Road in Woodbury.

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