Buko, a manufacturer of coconut-based products, has launched what it says is the world’s first hot sauce range based on coconut vinegar.
The range includes Regular, Tangy and Fiery variants and is available in 150ml jars with an RSP of £3.99.
Buko, which is based in the Philippines, also offers coconut water and coconut jam ranges.
Director Aled Morris said the sauces don’t use the vinegar just because coconuts are in vogue, but because it adds an extra dimension to the flavour.
“We’ve used Mother of Vinegar made from eight-month fermented coconut sap in all the sauces, not just for its host of nutrtiional benefits, but because it also adds a unique sweet tanginess, which makes them stand out from the crowd and gives them an extended versatility, above regular hot sauces,” he added.
“Beyond being used as a simple and tasty condiment, they also add an exotic twist to salad dressings, marinades and sauces.”
The hot sauce range is based on traditional recipes from the Philippines, where coconut vinegar is used as the base for various dishes, and Morris thinks it will appeal to UK consumers as the demand for Asian cuisine grows.
“It’s clear there’s an ever-growing demand for this kind of Asian food and so bringing a more authentic sauce to the market makes a lot of sense and we feel people will enjoy the added complexity of flavour that the subtle sweetness of the coconut vinegar brings. The fact that the vinegar happens to link into the popularity of coconut products and their health benefits is just an added bonus, albeit a big one!”
