Several hundred people at the New Mexico State Fair stood in line to sample more than 30 salsas on Saturday – and after their votes were tallied, Ol’ Gringo Chile Company’s New Mexico Hot Salsa was named the best in the state.
The annual Battle of the Salsas invites salsa lovers of all ages to have their chile- and jalapeño-scorched voices heard. Bueno’s Flame Roasted Green Chile Salsa took second place in this year’s Battle, and Andele Restaurant’s Traditional Salsa – the winner of last year’s competition – took third.
Each salsa company was presented with a handcrafted silver Battle of the Salsas belt buckle from the New Mexico Chile Commission, which sponsors the always-popular event. It’s hosted by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA).
Battle of the Salsas is an annual contest open to all New Mexico-made, commercially produced salsas available for sale in the New Mexico Country Store. Located in the Agriculture Building on the fairgrounds, the Country Store was created 24 years ago as a place for people to discover New Mexico foods such as salsas and other chile products, spice mixes, baked goods, jams and jellies, candies, fresh produce, nuts, honey, teas, and more. The Country Store is open each day of the fair from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Find more information about salsas and other New Mexico foods and beverages at www.newmexicotradition.com.
Information from NM Agriculture Department