Title: The History of Salsa Sauce
Headings: The History of Salsa Sauce
The History of Salsa Sauce
Chronological History of Salsa Sauce

Content: The History of Salsa Sauce










Home > The History of Salsa Sauce

The History of Salsa Sauce

Although the term "salsa" was coined by the Spanish, this condiment has been around since long before the Spanish were exposed to it. Possibly as far back as 3000 BC, the Aztecs combined chilies with tomatoes or tomatillos to produce this condiment. Wild tomatoes are native to Peru and Ecuador. Tomatillos, which are not green tomatoes, are native to the Andes, in the area which is now Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. Domestication of these plants allowed for salsa to become a staple of the Aztec diet. chilies, ground squash seeds and other ingredients, even beans, were combined with the tomatoes or tomatillos. The Spanish were first exposed to tomatoes and this dish after they conquered the Aztecs (1519-1521). It was served with venison, wild turkey, lobster and fish. Some say it was the conquistadores who first called it salsa. Others say it was a Spanish priest and missionary named Alonso de Molina who named it in 1571.