Get Saucy This Summer

Aug 13, 2026 by Chef David

By Chef David

Adjusting to the hot weather can be difficult. As your body tries to cool down by sweating, the blood is redirected away from your gastrointestinal system and to your skin. This shift can cause lethargy and a reduced appetite. Heat also leads to dehydration, reducing saliva and gastric juices, which makes dry or heavy food less appealing. Eating bright, acidic, and slightly spicy combinations can stimulate your salivary glands and wake up your taste buds, helping your body adjust to the summer heat.

Cayenne, chili, and jalapeños peppers contain capsaicin that binds to heat receptors in your mouth, tricking your brain and triggering a cooling sweat.

Ginger, garlic, and black pepper slightly widen your blood vessels to increase blood flow to your skin. Ginger also reduces the overstuffed feeling.

Small-Batch Pepper Jellies

For a simple way to elevate your summer meals, consider pre-prepared sauces. Something Special Deli Foods’ Jelly Collection is certified kosher and pareve by the OU.  These gourmet, small-batch pepper jellies deliver a balanced mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. They are gluten-free, nut-free, MSG-free, and contain no artificial preservatives or colorings. At 20 calories per teaspoon, they offer a mild-to-medium kick with a hint of citrus.

We sampled three of their signature flavors:

• Gourmet Jalapeño: Made from sugar, green jalapeños, green bell peppers, vinegar, lime juice, and pectin. Brush it inside grilled cheese or on chicken during the final minutes of grilling, or use it to add a Tex-Mex twist to nachos and fish tacos.

• Gourmet Red Chili: Combines red bell peppers and red chilis with lime juice and vinegar for a warm, earthy spice. Try combining it with grape jelly for a delicious sweet-and-sour meatball glaze.

• Gourmet Pomegranate: The most unique profile we tested blends pomegranate juice, red bell peppers, and chili peppers with subtle hints of cumin and black pepper. It makes an exceptional finishing glaze for roasted lamb chops or beef.

Toss a spoonful of jelly over roasted vegetables, or whisk it with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and mustard for a bright summer dressing.

Order Something Special Pepper Jellies online.

For a tamer way to introduce non-traditional flavors, we tried Wild Tribe’s marinades and sauces. The brand was founded by David Libesman (of Joburg Meats) with his son Ryan, using an existing manufacturing facility in South Africa (creating the first OU-certified plant in South Africa).

The tastes were inspired by Liberman’s South African culinary traditions, a blend of West Indian, Portuguese, Indian, and Dutch flavors. They contain no artificial colors, and while their ingredients are more complex, the sauces are intriguing.

We were surprised initially that Wild Tribe was less viscous than traditional American BBQ sauces. It provided a more subtle and complex taste profile than the overly sugary BBQ sauces. Light, not overbearing, allowing you to still taste the food. We enjoyed these South African flavor profiles and use them as table condiments, letting diners apply as liberally as they want.

Discover The Wild Tribe Lineup

Chili at the Port (Spicy Chili Sauce) [3 chili rating]. Inspired by Portuguese cuisine, this is a fiery and bold chili sauce. It is characterized by a prominent spicy and tangy flavor profile with a distinct citrus back note. It works perfectly as a dip, a drizzle for tacos, or a marinade for chicken.

Wild Chili (Spicy Garlic Sauce) [2 chili rating] This sauce has a savory garlic punch layered with a mild chili heat with a herbal finish. A nice addition for eggs, fries, or finishing grilled meats.

Philosophic Garlic (Garlic Sauce): This is a nontraditional, flavorful garlic mayo. It is creamy and tangy with a mild sweetness.

Wade in Marinade (Portuguese Marinade) [2 chili rating] This bright, citrusy marinade combines lemon juice, garlic, and smoky paprika, giving it a mild heat.

Braai me a River (Meat Basting & Marinade): It brings the smoky richness of a South African braai (barbecue). The taste profile is smoky-sweet and savory with subtle hints of peach and tomato.

View the Que (BBQ Sauce): A uniquely South African take on classic BBQ sauce. It is tangy with hints of Worcestershire sauce, tomato, black pepper, and warm spices.

Wild Tribe is available online

Take Control of the Heat

Wild Tribe and Something Special Jellies are an easy way to spark traditional recipes and help your body acclimate to the summer heat, introducing spices and exciting flavors. Both sauces are BBQ-ready. Wild Tribe is recommended for basting, applying it frequently during cooking to add moisture and tenderize. Something Special Jelly is for glazing, applied during the last 10 minutes of grilling so the sugars caramelize without burning. We tried both sauces on vegetables.

These sauces add a spark of flavor, making the commonplace into something more exotic, while helping your body adapt to the hot weather.