If you’re into hot sauces that pack a serious punch, you might want to check out Forbidden Fruit from La Pimenterie. This isn’t your average grocery store hot sauce. With a lineup of scorpions, habaneros, and ghost peppers, it delivers a blast of heat that’ll definitely wake up your taste buds.
It’s got a thin consistency and a flavor that’s straight-up pepper, no frills. Plus, it’s even made a cameo on the popular show Hot Ones. Let’s dive into what makes Forbidden Fruit stand out, or should I say, set your mouth on fire.
Introducing: Forbidden Fruit by La Pimenterie
Based in Montreal, Quebec, La Pimenterie has carved out a niche in the hot sauce world with one simple mission: make spicy sauces that still taste good. They’ve nailed the art of “brewing” peppers, which is pretty much what their name suggests. They’re no strangers to fame either, having featured their fiery concoctions on several seasons of Hot Ones.
Now, let’s talk about one of their standout sauces, Forbidden Fruit, or as it’s also known, Le Fruit Defendu. This sauce is a real treat for those who can handle their heat. Crafted from a blend of Scorpion, Habanero, and Ghost peppers, it’s like biting into a fresh, super hot pepper—intense, flavorful, and not for the faint of heart. Priced at $14 a bottle in their online shop, it’s a must-try for any serious pepper head. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.
Manufacturer: La Pimenterie
Made In: Quebec
Heat Rating: 9/10
Size: 148mL
Price Range: $14
Ingredients: Selected hot peppers (red long pepper, dehydrated scorpion red peppers, chocolate habanero pepper, red Jalapeños pepper, red habanero pepper, bhut jolokia pepper), Water, Shallots, Vinegar, Cane sugar*, Oak syrup (sugar, water), Sea salt, Cider vinegar*, Garlic, Oak pellets infusion, Xanthan gum (GMO-free).
*Organic ingredients
Appearance
Forbidden Fruit doesn’t just bring the heat; it also looks the part. Housed in a classic 150mL woozy bottle, it features the distinctive diamond-shaped label of La Pimenterie. The center stage on the label is taken by a minimalist-style hand with a bright red scorpion pepper resting above it—a nod to the fiery contents within. Above, the name of the sauce and the company logo are prominently displayed.
On the sides of the label, you’ll find essential company details and nutritional information. Peek inside the bottle, and you’re greeted by the sauce’s vivid red color, mirroring the exact shade of a red scorpion pepper. The texture is finely blended, held together smoothly with xanthan gum, ensuring it pours effortlessly without clogging the bottle’s neck. This consistency is ideal for evenly coating your food, guaranteeing a spicy hit with every bite.
Smell
Taking a whiff of Forbidden Fruit is like stepping into a garden of freshly picked peppers. The sauce captures that pure, crisp scent of a pepper just cracked open—tangy, with a hint of sweetness, and an unmistakable kick of spice that hints at the heat to come.
La Pimenterie has masterfully ensured that the bold aromas of the peppers shine through, without letting other ingredients muddle this vibrant bouquet. The overall aroma is so inviting, it practically begs you to dive in and take a bite. The moment you smell it, you know it’s going to be a good one.
Taste and Flavour
The first thing you notice when you try Forbidden Fruit is the immediate rush of flavor followed closely by a wave of heat. This sauce is all about the peppers—there’s no overpowering vinegar or saltiness to distract from the taste of freshly picked, super-hot peppers. Each bite delivers a clean, pure pepper flavor that really lets you appreciate the quality of the ingredients.
The subtleties of garlic and a unique oak pellet infusion are present but don’t overwhelm; they merely enhance the robust pepper profile. This approach keeps the sauce distinctly pepper-forward, which is exactly what you want from a sauce like this. Thanks to the xanthan gum, the texture is slightly creamy, making it perfect for evenly coating your favorite dishes. Overall, the taste and flavor of Forbidden Fruit are exactly what a pepper sauce should be—ideal for adding authentic pepper flavor to any meal.
Heat Level
Forbidden Fruit definitely ranks high on the heat scale, easily hitting a 9 out of 10 for me. The heat isn’t just there—it’s an instant sensation that sticks with you for the whole meal. But don’t worry, it’s the kind of heat that’s sharp and warm, not the kind that has you reaching for a glass of milk in pain.
Eating this sauce was an experience. My cheeks got a bit sweaty, my hairline was damp, and yeah, my nose started running a bit. And my tongue? It was lit up with heat the entire time, which I actually enjoyed. It’s a genuine, natural heat too, no extracts or artificial kick here. Just pure, escalating fire with every bite. Despite the intensity, I really dug the heat level of this sauce. It’s bold without being overwhelming, making it a thrill for any heat lover.
Conclusion: Overall Thoughts
I stumbled upon Forbidden Fruit at the London Heat Wave Expo in 2024, initially there to check out the Queso Sin Queso sauce. But once I tried Forbidden Fruit, I was hooked. The sauce blew me away with its authentic pepper taste and its smartly balanced, enjoyable heat. It’s like biting into a fresh, super-hot pepper—fiery yet incredibly satisfying.
I became such a fan of this sauce that I had to rush this review out, especially since my bottle is already running low! For anyone who loves the real, unadulterated flavor of super-hot peppers, Forbidden Fruit by La Pimenterie is a must-try. It’s a standout sauce that delivers heat and flavor in perfect harmony.
Please remember that taste is subjective and everyone will experience hot sauce uniquely. These reviews contain my own thoughts and opinions. If you think you’ll enjoy a hot sauce then you should definitely try it out.
Author: Mike P
Welcome to The Hot Sauce Guy! I’m Mike, your guide to the spicy world of hot sauces and the creator of Spicy Riffs Hot Sauce. From Canada, I share the hottest reviews, pepper-growing tips, and sauce recipes with a touch of rock and roll.
My passion? Crafting the perfect blend of heat and flavor. Whether you’re here for the fire or the flair, get ready for a journey into the world of spicy delights.
Let’s turn up the heat together!
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