Dates

Stinging vinegar, sharp salt, and the searing heat of capsaicin are most likely what people think about when thinking of hot sauces. However, the secret weapon of the world’s most balanced sauces isn't a pepper at all—it's the date. As the craft hot sauce movement has evolved, makers have moved away from refined sugars, looking instead to whole fruits to provide depth. Dates have emerged as the "MVP" of natural sweeteners, offering much more than just a sugary kick.