This is exceptional hot sauce. It’s five times hotter than tabasco and has earned repeat in the prestigious Fiery Foods and Scovie Awards hot sauce competitions. But what makes it truly exceptional is the story of the man who makes it.

Edmund Segbeaya first arrived in Nelson in September 2001. He had fled from his native Togo to Germany in 1991 after taking part in anti-government protests. His luck didn't change—they were threatened with deportation and spent three years hiding in a Catholic church. Fortunately, a Canadian expat learned of his plight and convinced seven local churches to sponsor the family for immigration.

Edmund’s good fortune continued when the manager of his local food co-op spotted him buying cartons of habanero peppers and just had to ask him why. Intrigued by Edmund’s description of his traditional Togolese hot sauce, the manager asked for a sample. It didn’t take long before Ebesse Zozo—which means “hot pepper” in Togolese—made its way far beyond the co-op.

Even in its mildest form, Ebesse Zozo is not for the faint of heart. Edmund recommends that you eat it with every kind of meal, and especially likes it with barbecue!