Shopping & Reviews

One Good Find: Salsa Lizano

A Costa Rican condiment we can’t live without

By Emily Carter


Published on August 15, 2014

On a recent trip to Costa Rica I found it impossible to say goodbye. Not to the monkeys, the warm air, or lush rainforest, but to a condiment: On every Costa Rican table, Salsa Lizano adds smoky heat to everything from omelets to fish tacos to Bloody Marys. Created by Prospero Jiménez in 1920, the exact recipe is shrouded in secrecy. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to replicate the flavor, so I tucked a bottle in my suitcase. Weeks later, back home, I whipped up a quick dinner of arroz con pollo and splashed on the Salsa Lizano. Closing my eyes, I imagined I could hear the sounds of the rainforest as I savored every bite. That bottle is long gone, but thankfully the condiment has made its way to North America; you can buy it in specialty stores and on their website.

Salsa Lizano, $8 for 23.7 fl. oz. bottle at [lizanosite.com

Continue to Next Story

Want more SAVEUR?

Get our favorite recipes, stories, and more delivered to your inbox.