Overview
A red-hot ride through the fiery story of hot sauce in America, exploring its history, science, and cultural impact. Why has the world’s most painful food inspired such adoration in the USA?
Denver Nicks delves into the American hot sauce obsession, tracing its roots through successive waves of immigrants who turned up the heat on the American palate. From salsa to barbecue, buffalo wings to chocolates, this flavorful volume explores:
- The science behind capsaicin and the sensation of spice
- The cultural significance of regional hot sauce traditions
- The passionate romances and life-changing experiences inspired by hot sauce
For foodies, culinary history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about this uniquely American obsession, Hot Sauce Nation is a spicy and insightful exploration of a condiment that has transformed the American dining experience. Denver Nicks is a regular contributor to Time and National Geographic Traveler.
Reviews
"If you've ever wondered how such massive flavors and such paralyzing pain gets decanted into those little bottles, this is the book you've been waiting for. Denver Nicks weaves history, science, culture, and little bit of a lot else into a tidy, fun-to-read bundle. Enjoy this book by the drop or the spoonful." —Wayne Curtis, author of And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in 10 Cocktails
"With verve, wit, and plenty of spice, Denver Nicks has captured the true flavor of the American experience. Hot Sauce Nation reads like gumbo on a page." —Dane Huckelbridge, author of Bourbon and The United State of Beer
"As wonderful a condimental accompaniment to American cuisine as hot sauce itself. It is substantive, detailed, and, best of all, fun to read." —Tom Acitelli, author of The Audacity of Hops and American Wine
“Nicks has managed to sneak a road novel into a hot sauce history class.” —The Currency of Cool
"A very highly recommended celebration of the most popular condiment on earth and a tribute to the people who make it and the people who love it.” —She Treads Softly
“Calvin Trillin meets Hunter S. Thompson, with some John McPhee thrown in for good measure.” —Palm Beach Illustrated
Author Biography
Denver Nicks is a regular contributor to Time magazine and a graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He is the author of Private: Bradley Manning, WikiLeaks, and the Biggest Exposure of Official Secrets in American History and his work has also appeared in Money, Newsweek, National Geographic Traveler, The Nation, The Daily Beast, and elsewhere. A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, he lives in New Orleans and Washington, DC.
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