Sweet and Savory Condiments: Fall's Best Feature

Is it fall in Florida? You bet! Even if pumpkin flavoring was not omnipresent, football games, Halloween decor and cooler weather mean it is time to get your fall on. But how can you celebrate when you're writing papers and cramming for exams? Condiments — sweet and savory condiments. It's no surprise that these delicious additions have become so closely associated with the season, but which one reigns supreme? I selected a few items from local supermarkets in an attempt to determine which item has the best overall flavor, greatest versatility and representation of the season.  

Buffalo Sauce

Sweet Baby Ray’s Buffalo Sauce differs from its more well-known counterpart, Frank’s Buffalo Sauce, in that it has more kick with a delayed impact, overtones of vinegar and a smoother delivery. Buffalo sauce is a quintessential condiment and this one brings to mind tailgating instantly. Whether you are planning on making Chicken Buffalo Wings or Buffalo Chicken Dip, this sauce reigns supreme.

Overall Flavor: 9/10

Versatility: 6.5/10

Cranberry Relish

Terrapin Ridge Farms Cranberry Relish is not just for Thanksgiving. On the jar, it says it pairs well with brie and they are so very right! This is the perfect complement to a warm brie or a homemade chicken sandwich. Elevating movie night or lunch has never been so easy. While it may be overlooked on the supermarket shelves amongst all the competition, this relish is an absolute standout worth tossing in your cart.

Overall Flavor: 8/10

Versatility: 7/10

Representation of the Season: 8/10

Barbecue Sauce

Perfect for any season, Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce is an underrated, yet simple way to add flavor to meals. Unlike regular barbecue sauce that connotes images of backyard cookouts in the sweltering summer heat, this take on the traditional does quite the opposite. While not overpowering, the notes of hickory and brown sugar bring out a sweeter flavor component than what is usually observed.

Overall Flavor: 9/10

Versatility: 7.5/10

Representation of the Season: 7/10

Maple Bacon Sea Salt

If Florida Pure Maple Bacon Sea Salt is not already in your kitchen, my advice is to add it to your grocery list ASAP. Nestled within its aesthetically pleasing glass exterior lies a topping that is sure to please all critics. Like regular salt, this variety can be added to almost anything and can take a dull snack or meal to a higher tier. The difference in Florida Pure’s salt lies in its delayed, yet distinct bacon-like flavor. On the first taste, one might not taste much difference, but once dissolved, the salt reveals a distinct smokiness that is near irresistible.

Overall Flavor: 9/10

Versatility: 10/10

Representation of the Season: 6.5/10

Pumpkin Honey Mustard

While most are not strangers to regular honey mustard, Terrapin Ridge Farms Pumpkin Honey Mustard takes a twist on the known and loved condiment. Much like the original, this variation’s flavor balances both sweet (honey) and savory (pumpkin and mustard) elements but has a creamy viscosity, an effect of the pumpkin, that elevates the experience. The condiment rests definitively on the tongue, which begs attention but does not overshadow its counterpart(s).

Overall Flavor: 8.5/10

Versatility: 7/10

Representation of the Season: 7/10

Apple Butter

A favorite in many pantries and a quintessential indicator of colder months to come, apple butter has become an edible embodiment of what most love about fall. When I picked up a jar of White House Apple Butter from my local supermarket, I was hoping for this same sensation. Though the typical sweetness and underlying nutty, warm spices could still be detected, the batch was thin and tasted watered down which made the experience (a pairing with a plain waffle) less than memorable. However, not all apple butter is created equally, so while this interaction was not the standard, I will not go so far as to deem all other apple butter unworthy of praise.

Overall Flavor: 4/10

Versatility: 5.5/10

Pumpkin Butter

Whoever claimed that “less is more” clearly never had the pleasure of trying Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter. The perfect addition to breads, cheeses, fruits and even cured meats, this condiment can do it all. Though it may toe the line of being overly sweet, the beloved spread nicely complements almost anything salty or savory, but it also is the perfect fix for a sweet tooth!

Overall Flavor: 8.5/10

Versatility: 9.5/10

Representation of the Season: 9.5/10

Maple Syrup

Time-tested maple syrup is nothing short of a classic. The sugary, sweet syrup can be denied by none and has even driven some individuals to criminal acts (check out “Dirty Money” on Netflix for more about the Maple Syrup Mafia) because of its desirability. Often displayed in festive maple leaf containers with brilliant red and yellow accents, this topping instantly sparks thoughts of fall. While most associate maple syrup with breakfast, the sweetness allows it to be substituted easily when baking and even cooking for certain meals.

Overall Flavor: 10/10

Versatility: 7.5/10

The Great Condiment Debate

While each of these condiments shines in its own way, there is one true winner: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter. The spread beats out maple syrup (8.83) and Florida Pure Maple Bacon Sea Salt (8.5) with an overall average score of 9.17 (and also won for the best representation of the season). However, maple syrup did win for Overall Flavor and Florida Pure Maple Bacon Sea Salt bested the other condiments in the Versatility category.