"The diet of the Reconstruction South was bland and monotonous, especially by Louisiana standards. So Edmund McIlhenny decided to create a pepper sauce to give the food some flavor and excitement." This quote taken from Edmund McIlhenny's recipe book. The sauce would become a culinary phenomenon world-wide. Production of TABASCO® takes place on Avery Island and has been a successful family business since its inception. We were excited to tour the factory and have lunch at 1865, a restaurant where you will find a bit of the sauce in every item offered.
TABASCO® sauce has had a very close relationship with the U. S. military. John Avery McIlhenny joined the Rough Riders during the Spanish American War and his sonsserved in the Marine Corps Reserve during World War II. Aviators in WW II, Korean and Vietnam Wars used the word TABASCO in nicknaming their airplanes. Troops in Korea received special three-ounce bottles of the sauce and Vietnam soldiers spiced up their mundane field rations with the same sauce.
I now have a few more bottles of 'sauce' than I have room for in my small pantry. But, no more dull food in this coach!! If you hear my tongue screaming just ignore it!!