Small Axe Peppers is revolutionizing the hot sauce industry with a unique approach that blends flavor and social impact. Founded in New York City, this innovative company sources its peppers from community gardens across America. By purchasing Small Axe Peppers hot sauce, consumers directly support local farmers and gardeners while enjoying high-quality, flavorful condiments.
The company offers a diverse range of hot sauces, each named after different cities and regions. From the Chicago Hot Sauce to the Ghost Pepper variety, Small Axe Peppers caters to various heat preferences and taste profiles. Their products are all-natural, kosher, and non-GMO, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking authentic flavors.
Small Axe Peppers has gained recognition in the culinary world, with some of their sauces featured on popular shows like Hot Ones. This exposure has helped spread awareness about their mission to support urban agriculture and community development through delicious hot sauces.
About Small Axe Peppers
Small Axe Peppers is a hot sauce company with a unique mission. Founded in 2014, it began by donating serrano pepper seedlings to community gardens in The Bronx, New York.
The company collaborates with urban farms and community gardens across the United States. They purchase peppers grown in these local spaces to create their hot sauces.
This innovative economic model supports community initiatives and urban agriculture. Small Axe Peppers now works with over 40 community gardens in The Bronx alone.
Their product line includes hot sauces made from various peppers, such as serranos and ghost peppers. Each sauce reflects the flavors and diversity of its origin.
Small Axe Peppers has gained recognition for its social impact and quality products. The company has been featured in major media outlets and on popular shows like Hot Ones.
By purchasing from local farmers and gardens, Small Axe Peppers helps sustain these valuable community spaces. Their approach demonstrates how businesses can positively impact urban environments while producing high-quality products.
Product Line Overview
Small Axe Peppers offers a diverse range of hot sauces, each with its own unique flavor profile and heat level. The company sources peppers from community gardens across the United States, creating artisanal sauces that support local growers.
The Bronx Red Hot Sauce
The Bronx Red Hot Sauce is the flagship product of Small Axe Peppers. It features a blend of serrano peppers grown in community gardens throughout the Bronx. The sauce has a medium heat level and a tangy, vibrant flavor.
Key ingredients include red serrano peppers, distilled vinegar, and salt. Its balanced heat allows the natural pepper flavor to shine through. The sauce pairs well with eggs, tacos, and grilled meats.
Small Axe Peppers collaborates with GrowNYC and Bronx Green-Up to source peppers for this sauce. This partnership supports local agriculture and community development in the Bronx.
Habanero Mango Hot Sauce
The Habanero Mango Hot Sauce combines fiery habanero peppers with sweet, tropical mango. This sauce offers a higher heat level than the Bronx Red, with a fruity undertone.
Key ingredients:
- Habanero peppers
- Mango puree
- Vinegar
- Onion
- Garlic
The sauce’s heat builds gradually, allowing the initial mango sweetness to come through. It complements Caribbean and Asian cuisines particularly well.
Small Axe Peppers sources habaneros from community gardens in various locations for this sauce. The exact heat level may vary slightly between batches due to natural variations in pepper intensity.
Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce
The Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce is Small Axe Peppers’ hottest offering. It features the infamous bhut jolokia, or ghost pepper, known for its extreme heat.
This sauce is not for the faint of heart. It registers over 1 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Despite its intensity, the sauce maintains a complex flavor profile with notes of fruit and smoke.
Ingredients include ghost peppers, vinegar, and salt. The company recommends using this sauce sparingly as a flavor enhancer for spicy dishes or as a challenge for heat enthusiasts.
Small Axe Peppers sources ghost peppers from specialized growers who can handle these potent chilies safely.
Habanero Ginger Hot Sauce
The Habanero Ginger Hot Sauce blends the heat of habaneros with the zesty kick of ginger. This combination creates a unique flavor profile that’s both spicy and refreshing.
Key features:
- Medium-high heat level
- Bright, citrusy notes from habaneros
- Warming ginger flavor
- Versatile for various cuisines
The sauce works well in marinades, stir-fries, and as a condiment for grilled foods. Its ginger content adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor.
Small Axe Peppers sources both habaneros and ginger from community gardens when possible, supporting local agriculture initiatives.
Bronx Green Hot Sauce
The Bronx Green Hot Sauce is a variation on the original Bronx Red. It features green serrano peppers harvested earlier in the season, resulting in a different flavor profile.
This sauce has a fresher, slightly tart taste compared to its red counterpart. The heat level is similar, falling in the medium range on the Scoville scale.
Key ingredients include green serrano peppers, onion, garlic, and vinegar. The sauce has a vibrant green color and a thinner consistency than some other Small Axe Peppers products.
It pairs particularly well with:
- Grilled vegetables
- Fish tacos
- Avocado toast
- Green salads
Like the Bronx Red, this sauce supports community gardens in the Bronx through pepper sourcing initiatives.
Ingredients and Flavors
Small Axe Peppers hot sauces blend locally sourced peppers with carefully selected ingredients to create distinctive flavor profiles. Each sauce showcases a unique combination of heat, sweetness, and complementary tastes.
Unique Flavor Profiles
The Texas Hot Sauce features habanero peppers, delivering intense heat with fruity undertones. Habanero Mango sauce balances fiery habaneros with sweet, tropical mango notes. Ghost Pepper varieties offer extreme spiciness for heat enthusiasts.
Red Serrano peppers provide a moderate kick in some blends. Fish sauce adds umami depth to certain recipes. Tamarind contributes tangy, sweet-sour complexity.
Small Axe Peppers experiments with flavor combinations to create memorable taste experiences. Some sauces incorporate unexpected ingredients like fruits or vegetables to enhance and balance the pepper heat.
Locally Sourced Ingredients
Small Axe Peppers sources peppers from community gardens and local farms across the United States. The Bronx Hot Sauce uses peppers grown in Bronx and Queens gardens. Texas Hot Sauce features habaneros cultivated in Texas.
This commitment to local sourcing ensures freshness and supports community agriculture initiatives. It also results in subtle flavor variations based on growing conditions in different regions.
Vegetables like onions and garlic are often locally sourced as well. By using regional ingredients, Small Axe Peppers captures the essence of each sauce’s namesake location in its flavor profile.
Culinary Applications
Small Axe Peppers hot sauce offers versatile uses in the kitchen. Its unique flavor profile enhances dishes across various cuisines and cooking methods.
Cooking With Hot Sauce
Small Axe Peppers hot sauce adds depth and heat to many recipes. Chefs at the Culinary Institute of America recommend incorporating it into soups, stews, and sauces for a spicy kick.
The sauce works well in marinades for meats and vegetables. Its acidity helps tenderize proteins while infusing flavor.
For a quick flavor boost, mix the hot sauce into mayonnaise or sour cream to create spicy dips. It can also be stirred into scrambled eggs or added to pizza for extra zest.
Hot Sauce as Marinade
Small Axe Peppers hot sauce makes an excellent marinade base. Its vinegar content helps tenderize meats while the peppers impart flavor and heat.
For chicken, combine the hot sauce with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Let the meat marinate for 2-4 hours before grilling or roasting.
Chef King suggests using the hot sauce to marinate fish. Mix it with citrus juice and ginger for a tropical twist. A 30-minute soak is sufficient for most seafood.
For vegetarian options, use the hot sauce to marinate tofu or tempeh. The flavors will penetrate best if left overnight.
Pairing With Foods
Small Axe Peppers hot sauce complements a wide range of dishes. Its heat and tangy notes pair well with rich, fatty foods like cheese and avocado.
Try drizzling it over tacos, burritos, or nachos. The sauce cuts through creamy ingredients and enhances the overall flavor profile.
For a unique appetizer, serve the hot sauce alongside fresh oysters. The spice contrasts nicely with the briny shellfish.
At barbecues, offer Small Axe Peppers hot sauce as a condiment for burgers and hot dogs. Its bold flavor stands up well to grilled meats.
Community Impact
Small Axe Peppers has made a significant impact on urban communities through its innovative economic model. The company partners with community gardens and urban farms across the United States to source peppers for their hot sauces.
This collaboration creates a sustainable revenue stream for neighborhood gardens. Small Axe Peppers donates seeds to these gardens and later purchases the grown peppers at premium prices.
Organizations like GrowNYC and Bronx Green-Up of the New York Botanical Garden play crucial roles in this initiative. They help connect Small Axe Peppers with local community gardens and provide support to urban farmers.
The impact extends beyond economic benefits. Community gardens foster social connections, promote environmental awareness, and improve access to fresh produce in urban areas.
Small Axe Peppers’ model has expanded to numerous cities. From Chicago’s North Lawndale to Charlotte’s Little Sugar Creek, these partnerships have revitalized urban spaces and empowered local communities.
As of 2024, Small Axe Peppers celebrates a decade of urban farming impact. Their growing network of community gardens continues to produce peppers for their diverse range of hot sauces, each telling a unique story of community resilience and dedication.
Retail and Availability
Small Axe Peppers hot sauces are widely available through various retail channels and online platforms. Consumers can easily find these unique hot sauces in stores or purchase them from the comfort of their homes.
Availability Across Stores
Small Axe Peppers hot sauces can be found in select grocery stores and specialty food shops. Target carries the Texas Hot Sauce in 5 oz bottles, offering options for in-store pickup or delivery.
Customers can use Target Circle to earn rewards on their purchases. The weekly ad often features deals on specialty food items like hot sauces.
To locate nearby stores that stock Small Axe Peppers products, shoppers can use the “Find Stores” feature on retailer websites or the company’s official site.
Online Shopping Options
The official Small Axe Peppers website offers their full range of hot sauces for online purchase. This includes popular varieties like The Bronx Hot Sauce, Habanero Mango, and The Chicago Hot Sauce.
Major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon also stock Small Axe Peppers products. These sites often provide guest ratings and reviews to help inform purchasing decisions.
Online shoppers can add items to wish lists or gift registries. Many retailers offer convenient delivery options, including same-day delivery for last-minute needs.
Consumer Engagement
Small Axe Peppers hot sauce has fostered a strong connection with its customers. The brand’s involvement with community gardens and appearance on popular shows has contributed to its growing fanbase.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Small Axe Peppers hot sauces have garnered positive reviews from consumers. Many praise the unique flavors and appreciate the company’s community-focused mission. The Bronx Hot Sauce, Habanero Mango, and Chicago Hot Sauce have been particularly well-received.
These three sauces gained additional exposure through their feature on Hot Ones, a popular YouTube show. This appearance boosted their visibility and led to increased customer interest.
Reviewers often highlight the balance of heat and flavor in Small Axe Peppers’ products. The Texas Hot Sauce, for example, is noted for its habanero kick combined with a touch of sweetness.
Social Media Presence
Small Axe Peppers maintains an active social media presence to engage with customers. They regularly share updates about their community garden partnerships and new product releases.
The company uses platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase their hot sauces and the gardens where the peppers are grown. This transparency helps build trust with consumers who value ethical and sustainable practices.
Social media also serves as a channel for customer feedback and interaction. Small Axe Peppers responds to comments and questions, fostering a sense of community around their brand.
The company’s involvement in local initiatives is often highlighted on their social channels, reinforcing their commitment to supporting urban agriculture and community development.
Collaborations and Features
Small Axe Peppers has partnered with several notable entities to create unique hot sauce offerings. The company collaborated with indie pop band AJR to develop BANG! Hot Sauce, inspired by their 2020 hit song.
Chef King Phojanakong, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, worked with AJR to craft this distinctive blend. The sauce incorporates locally-sourced peppers from over 30 community gardens in the Bronx and Queens.
Small Axe Peppers has also been featured on the popular YouTube series Hot Ones. They offer a Three Pack of hot sauces that appeared on the show, including The Bronx Hot Sauce, Habanero Mango, and The Chicago Hot Sauce.
The company’s commitment to supporting urban farms is evident in their partnerships. They work with community groups like GrowNYC and the Bronx Green-Up of the New York Botanical Garden to source peppers from local gardens.
In 2022, Small Axe Peppers became the official hot sauce “in residence” at Forest Hills Stadium. This collaboration further demonstrates their commitment to community-focused initiatives.