Homemade Fruit Salsa - Spicy, Sugar-Free, Healthy Dip Recipe (2024)

Homemade Fruit Salsa - Spicy, Sugar-Free, Healthy Dip Recipe (1)Homemade Fruit Salsa - Spicy, Sugar-Free, Healthy Dip Recipe (2)

Mama Z’s spicy fruit salsa (recipe below) is filled with hot peppers that hold a plethora of health benefits. Not only are spicy peppers known for their supply of fiber, they are filled vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals (molybdenum and manganese). They also contain a significant amount of lycopene (a powerful ovarian cancer killer), lutein and zeaxanthin which are known for their effects on eye disorders, cataracts and macular degeneration. By far, the most impressive aspect to hot peppers are capsaicin, the antioxidant responsible for heat index.

What are the benefits of hot peppers? On August 27, 2012 PuckerButt Pepper Company, a manufacturer and distributor of all natural chili pepper products and seeds, announced the debut of the world’s hottest pepper: Smokin’ Ed’s Carolina Reaper. According to Ed Currie, founder of the PuckerButt Pepper Company,

“We have raised the bar for heat intensity by surpassing the current world record holder, the Butch T. Trinidad Scorpion,”

Analytic chemist Cliff Calloway, Ph.D., M.S., B.A. from Winthrop University evaluated the seed pods over a four-year testing period and concluded that the Smokin’ Ed’s Carolina Reaper pepper averaged 1.474 million on the Scoville Scale rating, 280 times hotter than a jalapeño!

Table of Contents:

  1. Scoville Heat Index
  2. Health Benefits Of Hot Peppers
  3. Capsaicin Health Benefits
  4. The Best Way To Eat Hot Peppers
  5. Spicy Fruit Salsa Recipe

Scoville Heat Index

More than just bragging rights, the Scoville Scale measures heat intensity and the number of Scoville heat units (SHU) indicates the amounts of capsaicin present in each pepper. To give you a feel for how powerful Smokin’ Ed’s Carolina Reaper really is, pure capsaicin has a Scoville rating of 16 million. American pharmacist Wilber Scoville designed the test known as the Scoville Organoleptic Test in 1912 while working for Detroit-based pharmaceutical company Parke Davis. Originally based on human responses (can you imagine being a volunteer subject for this test!), today machines measure the amount of capsaicin contained in peppers.

Health Benefits of Hot Peppers

There is a number of health benefits of hot peppers and they are well known for their supply of fiber, vitamins A, C, K and minerals molybdenum and manganese. They also contain a significant amount of lycopene (which is known to kill ovarian cancer), lutein and zeaxanthin (which are praised for their effects on cataracts and macular degeneration). By far, though, the most significant health aspect of spicy peppers is that they are a rich source of capsaicin, the antioxidant responsible for heat index.

Capsaicin Health Benefits

Capsaicin is colorless, flavorless, odorless, and a pepper’s capsaicin level is directly proportional to its antioxidant level. In other words, the hotter a pepper is, the healthier it is. As people eat hot peppers over time, the pain receptors on the tongue are repeatedly stimulated. In time, that person becomes desensitized to its painful effect. In fact, it has been observed that the pain people often feel when eating hot peppers can actually become quite pleasurable because spicy peppers release endorphins, the “pleasure hormone.” It fact, it is believed that the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations considered chili peppers an aphrodisiac.

Even though it has been praised for its health benefits for years, scientists have struggled to confirm capsaicin’s individual health benefits. Researchers are attempting to decode the mystery behind the spicy component to peppers and to explain capsaicin’s known efficacy in weight loss, appetite suppression and raising body temperature. Other proposed benefits to capsaicin include:

  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • Protective effects in the liver and lungs against tissue damage
  • Analgesic properties, bringing relief to various neuropathies
  • Reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis

Preliminary studies done on animals have suggested that capsaicin can actually kill lung, pancreatic, and prostate cancer cells!

The Best Way to Eat Hot Peppers

Obviously, spicy peppers are good for us, but can stomach their heat index? One time, I tried eating a habañero fresh from our garden and let me tell you this: I only did this once. It literally sucked the air right out of me – I had the hiccups for an hour! My wife likes making something she calls Kick Um’ Juice – a tea made from habañero, jalapeño, prickly pear, fresh ginger and some other power-packed ingredients. Personally, I like to get my capsaicin from her homemade salsa.

Spicy Fruit Salsa Recipe

I’ve shared more of our favorite appetizer recipes so you can try them! This tasty sweet, HOT salsa recipe is jam-packed with health benefits and will kick the seat off your pants!

Mama Z's Spicy Fruit Salsa

Homemade Fruit Salsa - Spicy, Sugar-Free, Healthy Dip Recipe (3)

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Prep time

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Author: Mama Z

Serves: 6-8 cups

Ingredients

  • 5 organic freestone peaches, peeled and pitted*
  • 1 small organic cantaloupe (about 1 pound), peeled and seeded
  • 12 ounces organic mango, peeled and pit removed
  • 12 ounces organic strawberries, stemmed
  • 1 cup organic pineapple cubes
  • Freshly squeezed juice of 2 organic limes
  • ¼ cup fresh organic cilantro leaves
  • 2 teaspoons organic coconut crystals***
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pink Himalayan salt or sea salt
  • 3 fresh organic jalapeño peppers**
  • 3 fresh organic banana peppers**
  • 1 fresh organic cayenne pepper**
  • 1 fresh organic habanero pepper**
  • 2 drops cilantro essential oil
  • 2 drops lime essential oil
  • 2 drops lemon essential oil

Supplies

Instructions

  1. Combine the peaches, cantaloupe, mango, strawberries, pineapple cubes, lime juice, cilantro, coconut crystals, sea salt, jalapeños, banana peppers, cayenne pepper, habanero, and the essential oils in a blender or food processor.
  2. Pulse until the ingredients reach the desired consistency, anywhere from chunky to smooth.
  3. Depending upon the size of your processor, you may need to make this in batches. If so, combine the batches in a large bowl.
  4. Use immediately or portion into small glass or freezer-safe containers and refrigerate or freeze.

Notes

*To peel a peach, dip it in boiling water for 20 seconds, then allow it to cool slightly; the skin should come off easily.

**To prepare the peppers without getting the volatile oils on your hands, snip off the tip with a pair of scissors and cut through the pepper several times. Remove all or most of the seeds and pulp; if you prefer a less spicy salsa, remove all the seeds and pulp using kitchen gloves.

***Use 2 dropperfuls liquid stevia while on the Fast Track


Homemade Fruit Salsa - Spicy, Sugar-Free, Healthy Dip Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is fruit salsa made of? ›

This could include tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, or non-tropical fruits like peaches and watermelon. Just like tomato salsa, fruit salsa is generally composed of finely chopped fruit with aromatics such as onions, possibly some heat, possibly some citrus, and some fresh herbs like mint or cilantro.

How do you make salsa not spicy? ›

For red-based salsas, add more tomato, if possible, or add finely chopped cucumber, avocado, fresh leafy herbs, mango, melon or oranges. A touch of honey or sugar may also help.

What is a good substitute for salsa? ›

Re: Salsa Alternatives

Mix canned or fresh diced tomatoes with some diced sweet onion, jalapeno pepper to taste if you like it hot, and a squeeze of lime juice, fresh or bottled, and there ya go!

Is there a spicy fruit? ›

Chili peppers, which are also called chili and chile, are the spicy fruit of a variety of plants in the genus capsicum. They grow in warm climates around the world. Chilis are technically berries because they contain seeds. But they are used more like a vegetable or spice because they have a savory, spicy flavor.

What is the spicy stuff Mexicans put on fruit? ›

Tajín seasoning is often sprinkled on sliced fruit and vegetables, and it's also used as a garnish for esquites, a creamy corn dish made with mayonnaise and Cotija. You can add a dash to fresh mango, watermelon or pineapple, or try a pinch on jicama or cucumber for a refreshing snack.

Is salsa good or bad for you? ›

But the truth is salsa is an incredible way to increase your vegetable intake, and it's an undeniably healthy food. In addition to helping you increase your vegetable intake, salsa is full of antioxidants and can be a good source of fiber and capsaicin (depending on the recipe).

Does sugar make salsa less spicy? ›

Acid, sugar and butterfat all tame the heat of peppers. Depending on your salsa, you could add any of those, say the juice of a lime or a lemon. Stir it well, let it rest a while, taste it, and do more if you need to. add a pinch of sugar and some lime juice to help cut the heat and keep it flavorful.

Does adding sugar to salsa make it less spicy? ›

Add Something Sweet To Make Salsa LESS Spicy

Adding a sweet ingredient can help counteract the heat and help to make salsa less spicy. But what? Start by adding a teaspoon of sugar to your hot salsa and mix it in thoroughly. Taste it and see if this has reduced the heat enough for you to eat the salsa.

Does lemon make salsa less spicy? ›

Perhaps the easiest way to help mitigate a dish's inherent spiciness is through the use of sugar and various acids, Serious Eats explained. Additions like lime juice, vinegar and lemon juice are great for neutralizing heat, and they won't interfere with the recipe's remaining flavor interactions .

How do you eat salsa without carbs? ›

Serve chopped celery, carrot sticks and cucumber slices with salsa and sour cream on the side—separately or mixed together, salsa and sour cream are a good combo.

Is homemade salsa healthier than store bought? ›

You'll save money by making your own salsa, especially if you can pull the vegetables from your own garden. It can be much cheaper to make salsa yourself, and homemade salsa is generally healthier than most of the sugary varieties you'll find in stores.

What is the naturally spicy fruit? ›

Fresh 'Piper nigrum' fruit, AKA green peppercorns, are incredibly spicy. When you get them fermented and dried in the form of black pepper you grind on your Caesar salad, you might think they're just the seeds, but it's actually the whole fruit.

What fruit is best for spicy food? ›

Mangos. First up are mangos. The sweetness and juiciness of the fruit provide a perfect contrast to the spiciness of the hot sauce. Mango also has a tropical flavor that pairs well with many spicy dishes, making it a popular ingredient in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine.

What are 3 spicy foods? ›

10 of the Spiciest Dishes from Around the World
  • India: Phaal Curry. ...
  • Peru: Papa a la Huancaina. ...
  • China: Huo Guo. ...
  • Indonesia: Sambal Oelek. ...
  • Haiti: Griot.

Where does fruit salsa come from? ›

Combinations may include peach, cherry or mango. This spicy cranberry salsa is a favorite condiment or sauce used by many. The history of salsa sauce originated with the Inca people. Salsa, which has typically been a combination of chilies, tomatoes and other spices, can be traced to the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas.

What is pineapple salsa made of? ›

In a medium bowl, combine pineapple, red pepper, cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, and lime juice. Stir until well combined. Season with salt, to taste. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

What is peach salsa made of? ›

What ingredients are in peach salsa? Diced peaches, red onion, red bell pepper, and fresh jalapeño make up the base. Cilantro (leave it out if you're one of those people who hates cilantro), chili powder, salt, and lime juice bring home the salsa flavor.

Where is salsa made from? ›

Salsa is traced back to the times of the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans. The native people created their own versions of salsa using tomatoes, chilies, and squash seeds, however “official discovery” to the rest of the world did not occur until after the Spaniards conquered Mexico in the 1500s.

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