In summary, when used in accordance with regulatory guidelines and recommended usage levels, capsicum oleoresin is considered safe for consumption in food products. However, individuals with known allergies or sensitivities should exercise caution, and it's important to ensure the purity and quality of the product. As with any food ingredient, moderation and informed use are key to ensuring its safe consumption.

SUBSTITUTIONS FOR COMMON RED PEPPER SPICES

However, if you want to play it safe because you're unsure whether the hot chili sauce will make your recipe hotter than you want it to, then add it gradually. Start by adding one-fourth of the amount and adjust from there.

But while it’s a good fit in terms of flavor, its appearance might not be a good substitute because of its reddish-brown color. If you don’t mind the slight visual differences, we suggest adding guajillo in slow progression until you reach your desired taste.

The Scoville Scale was developed in 1912 by Wilbur Scoville, a pharmacist from the United States. To determine the SHU, an exact weight of hot pepper is dissolved in alcohol to extract the capsaicinoids components. These components are then diluted in a solution of sugar water and decreasing concentrations are given to a panel of trained tasters until a majority can no longer detect them in a diluted form. The heat level is then rated based on this dilution in multiples of 100 SHU. This system was initially purely organoleptic but nowadays is measured using HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) to prevent any deviation from sensory fatigue or the chosen panel´s resistance.

Heat Level: Medium

However, unlike sriracha which is very dependent on chilis for its taste, the hot sauce with its many ingredients is very tangy. It’s because its other main ingredient is vinegar. If you taste hot sauce, you get a burst of heat together with the tangy vinegar. Vinegar serves two purposes: makes the hot sauces delicious with its flavorful play with the heat and it also helps preserve the chili, too. This is one reason why most commercially made hot sauces can be stored at room temperature. 

The drying process is crucial in preserving the flavor and heat of the chillies. The chillies are typically dried in the sun or using specialized drying machines to ensure they are completely dehydrated. This process can take several days to complete, as it is important to dry the chillies slowly to maintain their flavor and heat levels.