What comes to mind when you think of “Picante”? Hot and spicy? Sauce? Or do you just think about food?
Picante is the Spanish word for spicy. Picante sauce, a product of the pace corporation, the first version of Picante was made by the company’s owner, David Pace.
It contains mainly chopped tomatoes, white onions, jalapenos, and spices. It is a slightly chunky sauce with a thin base that provides flavour. It can be used for a variety of things.
Salsa is the Spanish word for sauce. The origin takes us back to the Aztec, Mayans, and Incan people, where it was first prepared.
Just like Picante, salsa contains a combination of chopped tomatoes, peppers, tomatillos, and spices. Salsa can also contain ingredients like corn, chili, avocado, and pineapples.
It is added as a condiment to several food items. Modern preparation of salsa is typically chunky with roughly chopped or diced vegetables.
There could be variations in spice level ranging from mild salsa to medium salsa or hot salsa
Difference Between Salsa and Picante
With a few points, let’s look at the differences between salsa and Picante
1. Picante sauce is mainly a hot sauce that is mostly smoother, thinner, and lighter, while salsa has a wide range of spice levels, is comparatively chunky, and looks rough.
2. Picante sauce is a sub-type of salsa, while salsa is food all by itself
3. Picante’s taste is a bit smoky, sweet, and spicy, and salsa is fresher.
4. Picante colour ranges from dark red to light brown; salsa has various colors
5. Ingredients used in preparing Picante are cooked, while ingredients used in preparing salsa can be cooked or raw
6. Picante is a hot sauce that helps in adding a great deal of spice to snacks and delicacies. Salsa can be used as a dip or condiment for dishes.
Picante Nutrition Fact
1. A small serving plate of Picante has the following nutritional value;
- 9.9 calories
- 0 g protein
- 0 g fat
- 2g carbohydrate
- 0.999 g sugar
- 0.99 g fiber
- 230 g sodium
The most notable nutrient found in Picante is sodium which amounts to 10% of your daily need for this micronutrient.
Sodium is not good for excess consumption as it weakens the kidney; excess consumption leads to high blood pressure, fluid retention, and others.
Some varieties of Picante sauce contain added sugar to preserve its flavour; although it is insignificant, daily consumption leads to an unhealthy amount of sugar in your system.
The fibre and carbohydrate content can be lost when the ingredients are blended down.
Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, helps in the reduction of the risk of inflammation. Lycopene contents increase when the tomatoes are cooked but can be lost if it is overcooked.
You can preserve the fibre in tomato and onions and avoid consuming excess added preservatives by cooking your own Picante sauce at home.
However, if you decide to eat outside your house, always make sure to check the ingredients list.
Picante Shelf Life
Picante can last two months after its expiration date, left and stored in an airtight container. A Picante sauce will last two weeks after it is opened.
Salsa Nutrition Fact
- 19.9 g calories
- 2g protein
- 0g fat
- 3.g carbohydrate
- 1.01g fibre
- 2g sugar
- 135 mg sodium
- 0.36 mg iron
- 8.99 mg vitamin c
It contains less amount of sodium but the same amount of sugar, carbohydrates, and fibre. You can maintain lower levels of sugar and sodium by making your salsa at home
Salsa Shelf
Salsa homemade can last between 5-7 days; it depends on the ingredients used.
A Can of salsa will last 1-2 weeks after it is opened; always make sure you store it in an airtight container.
Salsa or Picante, Which is the Healthier Choice?
When it comes down to its nutrient contents, salsa is a healthy food choice. It contains more vitamins and antioxidants, contains a good amount of water which is a good source of skin hydration. It does not contain many calories.
For salsa to be healthy, it should contain fresh ingredients and low amounts of sodium and sugar.
FAQ
Is Picante and Salsa the same?
No, it is not the same. Although it contains mostly the same ingredient, the difference can be found in their texture and flavours
Can I Consume Salsa after it is expired?
Yes, you can. Most salsa sauces can last beyond their expiration date.
The general rule here is to check for bad smell or taste with your thumb, after which you can tell if it’s good for consumption or not.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has shown you the difference between salsa and picante. You can decide to go for whichever you like.