Yes, all of our sauces are naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Our fermentation process creates a robust flavor but your HOSA is no longer a live culture and so it does not need to be refrigerated. However, refrigeration will slow the effects of aging if that's what you're going for.

Our salt comes from San Juan Island, where the sun dries the ocean waters that we share. Most of our chiles are grown for us by nearby organic farms Boldly Grown and Wanderwood. We are developing the mother for our own in-house vinegar.

We know shipping is an unfortunate expense so we do all we can to use the most affordable shipping for your location.

Please note that to reduce our impact on the earth, we gather used shipping materials from local businesses and re-use them for our mail orders. It can be a little homely but your HOSAs are protected like a diamond in the rough!

Also consider buying from one of our retailers or picking up locally.

Yes, we appreciate the direct support! Our kitchen is located in downtown Bellingham and free pickup is available at our fantastic neighbor's storefront, Champlin Guitars, during their normal business hours. We are both located in the alleyway above the Farmer's Market. [Directions here.]

Choose "local pickup" at checkout (not available with Express Checkout mode), then pick up your order, usually within 24 hours, at Champlin. Orders left unclaimed for more than 14 days will be considered forfeit and no longer available or refundable.

Contact michelle@hosasauce.com with any questions!

Fermentation is the fifth process of alchemy, and, more practically, an ancient way to safely make and preserve food. The right mix of chiles and salt gives rise to a combination of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and healthy molds which break down carbs, resulting in the savory acid that in part gives our hot sauce its distinctive flavor.

As Amanda Feifer writes in Ferment Your Vegetables, fermentation gives us "flavors that taste like nothing else, flavors that can't be replicated by chemical additives."

At HOSAco, we take that magic, add vinegar and crisp chiles, then heat it for consistency and safety.

HOSA is uniquely well-suited to being both an everyday condiment as well as an ingredient for cooking. Shake it on to add flavorful fermented heat to anything you eat, from pizza and eggs to soups and tacos.

As an ingredient we recommend you make your own spicy salad dressing, pasta arrabiata, fried chicken, ramen broth, savory cocktails, meat and tofu marinade, and anything else that could use heat, umami, and complex chile character. We use only a few carefully-sourced ingredients to make HOSA complete and yet versatile.