We taste-tested six Ohio-made salsas. Because: football.
We taste-tested six Ohio-made salsas. Because: football.
Salsa is the unofficial mascot of the football tailgate and there happen to be a dizzying array of Ohio-made salsas these days–who knew? So the Columbus Monthly staff readied our bottled waters (alas, there were no margaritas) and tasted, scored and ranked a half-dozen brands of Ohio salsa with the goal of finding a favorite.
Someone had to do it.
Out of the six medium-heat salsas we tasted, Ridiculously Good Salsa’s Happy Medium won over our staff. The secret: garden freshness with a heat that builds at the end.
Based in Westerville, Ridiculously Good Salsa (RGS) is the 3-year-old creation of the Nortz family, headed by parents Greg and Vickie. Greg, an engineer, is the primary salsa chef in the family, while Vickie, a nurse, focuses on the business side. Their kids, Andrew and Gracie, have contributed feedback, help in the kitchen and valuable motivation (“Mom, you’ve gotta sell this,” Andrew reportedly urged).
The preservative- and sugar-free salsa has a short shelf-life (about three weeks) and is produced at Just Pies’ kitchen in Westerville. It’s delivered the next day to specialty grocers like Little Eater Produce & Provisions in the North Market and Weiland’s Market in Clintonville.
“We would like to be the No. 1 fresh salsa maker in Ohio,” says Vickie, adding that they are already working to expand into the Cleveland and Cincinnati markets.
#1 Staff Pick
Ridiculously Good Salsa, Westerville
This refrigerator salsa packs lots of texture and freshness. “Really good burst of cilantro up-front,” wrote one staffer
Up next for RGS? Its first hot salsa will be unveiled at Andrew’s wedding in a few weeks. rgoodsalsa.com
Runner-up
Kick Salsa, Columbus
This small-batch brand scored high on flavor; reminds us of a fresh restaurant salsa.
Second Runner-up
Frog Ranch, Athens
The chunkiest salsa of the bunch, Frog Ranch reminds us of the big brands.
Best of the Rest
Montezuma, Columbus
A thinner salsa that’s heavy on sweetness and tomato. “Put it on pasta,” one staffer suggested.
CaJohn’s, Westerville
The medium salsa from this North Market vendor packs a surprising amount of jalapeno heat.
Sugar & Spice, Cincinnati
A polarizing salsa because of its barbecue-y, smoky and sweet profile.
