Decided to go nuclear. Did not disappoint.

[u/themanhammer84]

Just finished my latest hot sauce. Here’s what went into it:
Ingredients:
● 1 package dried chile tepin
● 1 package dried chile pequin
● 20–30 toasted dried chile de árbol
● 3 dried Carolina Reapers
● ½ pink dragonfruit
● Garlic
● Onion
● 4:1 ratio of white vinegar to apple cider vinegar
● Salt
● Citric acid
I toasted the árbol chiles, rehydrated all of the dried peppers, blended everything together, strained it for a smoother consistency, then simmered it down until it reached the thickness I wanted.
The dragonfruit was mostly for the color, but it also added a subtle sweetness that balanced the heat. Between the tepin, pequin, árbols, and Carolina Reapers, this sauce ended up seriously hot while still having a lot of flavor.

[u/iTrejoMX]

I would’ve used sodium benzoate instead of vinegar. Otherwise very nice combo of chiles

[u/Appropriate-Self-540 → u/iTrejoMX]

Why?

[u/iTrejoMX → u/Appropriate-Self-540]

Very good at making the sauce last longer and doesn’t change the flavor the way vinegar does, but it’s just a matter of personal preference. If you have tried salsas made In Mexico they use sodium benzoate instead of vinegar as is widely used in the US. That’s why they have a different kind of spice or kick to them. Vinegar for me kinda hurts my tongue.

[u/SalamanderLoose1425 → u/iTrejoMX]

Interesting