Strawberry Basil Hot Sauce
Flavor Profile:
Fruity, herby, and deeply aromaticIngredients:
BC Strawberries, Habanero's BC Appled, BC Apple Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar, Grey Salt, Genovese Basil, Pineapple Rhum, Prairie Garden Mint (Basil Mint & Strawberry Mint), PG ThymeBest Paired With:
Grilled meats, seafood, roasted vegetables, aioli, and even a splash in vinaigrettes or saucesFeatures:
No Sugar AddedMade in:
Alberta
Low stock: 5 left
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Our Take
How We Taste It
Strawberry Basil Bomb is the perfect balance of heat and complexity. It’s not overpowering, but it lingers just enough to enhance the flavors it touches. The strawberries add brightness, the basil brings warmth, and the herbs pull everything together into a well-rounded experience.
At Gems, hot sauce isn’t just a condiment—it’s part of how we cook. We use it to build depth in dishes, from a fiery aioli for grilled meats to a touch of heat in a beurre blanc for seafood. We’ve used it in French sauces, like a spicy twist on a Bordelaise or even a classic velouté with a subtle heat that keeps you coming back for another bite.
Most commercial hot sauces rely on preservatives like sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and citric acid to extend shelf life. While these are common, this hot sauce from Lessig Ferments has real ingredients and fresh flavors, allowing the natural acidity and balance of their sauce to shine without unnecessary additives.
About The Product
Inspired by the bold flavors of Caribbean hot sauces, Strawberry Basil Bomb brings together fresh B.C. strawberries for a bright fruitiness, Genovese basil for its clove-like spice, and aromatic herbs from Prairie Gardens to round out the profile. This style of hot sauce is commonly found in the Caribbean, especially Jamaica, where tropical heat meets deep, complex spice.
In our Northern climate, we took a different approach—choosing seasonal fruits and pairing them with herbs that naturally mimic the warm, spiced profile of traditional Caribbean hot sauces. The result? A sauce that’s vibrant, layered, and versatile.
The sherry vinegar in the sauce delivers a bold yet balanced flavor, marked by its rich, nutty undertones and hints of dried fruit. The aging process in traditional casks imparts a smooth, mellow acidity with a subtle oakiness, creating a depth that lingers on the palate. It's complex, slightly sweet, and tangy—perfect for adding layers of flavor to sauces, glazes, and dressings.
About The Manufacturer
At Lessig Ferments, fermentation is a craft—a way to highlight Alberta’s seasonal bounty while drawing inspiration from global culinary traditions. Founded in 2021 by Edmonton chef Roger Letourneau, along with co-owner and fiancée Christine Sandford, Lessig Ferments creates naturally fermented hot sauces, condiments, and beer vinegar, using time-honored techniques to develop bold, complex flavors.
With experience in top restaurants across Edmonton, Belgium, Denmark, and France, Roger and Christine bring deep expertise and a passion for preserving ingredients at their peak. Their approach helps bridge the gap for small farmers, transforming locally grown produce into artisanal, shelf-stable products through careful fermentation and preservation.
At Gems Café & Bistro, we’re proud to support small Alberta-based businesses that share our dedication to quality and culinary craftsmanship. Lessig Ferments’ Strawberry Basil Bomb is a perfect example of their approach—balancing heat, acidity, and aromatics to create a sauce that’s as flavorful as it is versatile.
Year Founded
2021
Location
Edmonton
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