A national treasure has been saved!

[jmowreader]

Yes, folks, I speak of the age-old Tabasco production facility on Avery Island, Louisiana. I was worried that it may have been destroyed.

Tabasco sauce is made by an ancient process that's similar to the process for making sauerkraut or kimchi--mix ground Tabasco peppers with salt, then lay it up in oak barrels for three years. When it is deemed fit for sale, it is mixed with vinegar. A month or so later, the pepper solids are strained out of the sauce and it is bottled.

Fortunately for all lovers of spicy foods, the Tabasco facility was spared.

[villager]

1. Christ almighty, I didn't even think about the hot sauce shortage!

What about Melinda's habanero sauce?

[Waya]

4. I like spicy food ...

..as much as the next guy....but the fate of the Tabasco Factory isn't really what's keeping me up at night......

[The Jacobin]

9. It crossed my mind Sunday

over brunch after mass while putting it on my eggs.

[KamaAina]

5. Or Crystal, made at Baumer Foods in N.O.

right on S. Carrollton near Tulane Ave., by the Rock 'n' Bowl.

That hurts. Serious La. foodies keep a bottle of each around; Tabasco is hotter but Crystal is (has been :( ) more flavorful.

[KamaAina]

2. Avery Island is about 90 miles west of N.O.

thus not in the direct path of the storm, which actually passed just east of N.O.

That being said, support Louisiana's economy: "Don't keep it bottl;ed up!" I think I need some more, come to think...

[TomInTib]

3. Now THAT is god's will at work ! n/t

[MidnightWind]

6. My father will be greatly relieved to hear about that

yes--he was worried about it. :eyes:

[longship]

7. History of hurricanes on Avery Island.

I don't know about Katrina, but during hurricanes past, McIlhenny's has hosted all Avery Island residents in their plant which is rugged enough to weather even the strongest storms. Furthermore, McIlhenny's has provided food and shelter so that Avery Island residents just do not worry for their lives when disaster strikes.

I'd like to hear what happened this past week on Avery Island. McIlhenny's is a good outfit.

I like the red sauce a lot, but the jalapeno green is wunderbar!!

[mcscajun]

8. Whew! I hadn't even gotten to thinking about Avery Island yet.

Glad to hear they're intact.