FORMULA-002-SLD // MANDARIN JALAPEÑO SALT
Citrus–Heat Finishing Salt for Tequila & Mezcal Programs
Physical State
Coarse crystalline dry blend
STRUCTURAL ROLE
This formula operates as a surface-level finishing agent, engineered for adhesion and aromatic release. It provides high-impact citrus brightness layered with controlled heat, designed to remain texturally present rather than dissolve into the preparation.
FUNCTIONAL EFFECT
This blend delivers immediate citrus acidity followed by moderated sweetness and gentle chili warmth. Sugar tempers salt intensity and rounds the jalapeño’s sharpness. Dual lime granulometry enhances aromatic diffusion. The formula is stable in dry conditions but moderately hygroscopic due to citrus sugars.
APPLICATION CONTEXT
Optimized for:
• Cocktail glass rimming
• Tequila and mezcal service
• Margarita variations
• Spicy mezcalitas
• Grilled shrimp
• Charred chicken
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Fresh tropical fruit
Best suited for cold surface adhesion and high-contrast rim presentations.
FORMULA COMPOSITION
200 g Salt
30 g Sugar
10 g Dried Lime Pulp (M14–20)
10 g Dried Lime Pulp (M30)
10 g Dried Orange (M14)
20 g Dried Mandarin (M8)
8 g Dried Red Jalapeño, seedless (M14)
10 g Dried Red Bell Pepper (M14)
Processing Notes:
All citrus components dehydrated to full dryness before grinding.
Jalapeño deseeded to control bitterness and excessive heat.
Salt grain size: medium.
Final grind: medium-coarse crystalline texture with visible citrus and pepper fragments.
*M for ‘mesh size’.
Yield: ~298 g
Storage: Airtight container, low humidity environment
Shelf Life: 6–8 months (heat intensity softens gradually)
FLAVOR, AROMA & TEXTURE
Flavor
Immediate mandarin brightness followed by lime-driven acidity.
Soft sweetness rounds the profile.
Mid-palate warmth from jalapeño.
Finishes saline with lingering citrus-pepper resonance.
Aroma
Fresh mandarin peel oils.
Bright lime zest.
Subtle dried chili warmth.
Light vegetal sweetness from red bell pepper.
Texture
Medium-coarse crystalline structure.
Visible citrus shards and pepper fragments.
Slight humidity sensitivity due to citrus sugars.
Visual Character
Orange–coral salt matrix with yellow citrus flecks and red chili fragments.
Energetic, high-contrast coloration suitable for visual bar presentation.
PRIMARY USE CASES
Designed for:
• Classic Margaritas
• Spicy Margaritas
• Tequila Sunrise
• Mezcalitas
• Tequila & Mezcal shots
• Grilled shrimp
• Charred poultry
• Fresh mango or pineapple slices
OBSERVATIONAL NOTES
Version: 1.0
Date Logged: 2026-02-27
Mandarin provides rounder sweetness compared to orange alone.
Two lime granulometries enhance aroma release and surface texture.
Lower jalapeño ratios increase citrus dominance.
Higher citrus ratios increase clumping risk in humid environments.
Future Tests:
• Smoked jalapeño variation
• Freeze-dried citrus version
• Reduced sugar variant
• Addition of toasted coriander seed
• Lime-forward high-acidity version
