New-York tribune., 1901-02-16
WHAT TABAsCO SAUCE REALLY Is.
AN INTERESTING DESCRIPTION OF THE
PEPPERY LIQUID-SEED ORIGINALLY
FOUND IN CENTRAL AMERICA

Ever since the Booz inquiry at West Point first
began The Tribune has received frequent inquiries
from its constant readers TO just what Ia
basco sauce is. And inasmuch a Congress COM
mittee is likely look into hazng at Annapo-
lis, and there perhaps, unearth still rurtner uses
that Tabasco sauce may be put 10. this may be an
opportune time describe precisely what this Ia
nous sauce compound is Sauce OF any hind mas
never been served a separate course at Wen
appointed dinners. but II looks if with the West
Point cadets il had formed leading course in the
Academy curriculum.
First. then. there several kinds of so called
Tabasco sauces. and it is quite natural that the
manufacturer OF each brand should assert that his
particular brand is absolutely harmless. and. in
fact wholesome. Without the opportunity to test
these several assertions. the ordinary diner might
seem safer 10 avoid all Tabasco sauces. II so hap
90 prove that at least one OF these manufact
urers Of TabascO sauce is perfectly correct in his
claim as "a the wholesomeness or MS product Ana
he is the manufacturer whose brand. ii so hap
pens Is probably the most familiar TO the general
red from the fiery liquid which shows plainly
label on one side Of the bottle and sTeen cap Of
r9 he oreina fe Whoe sac and a. ptT one s
most always the tables of the best known
Tabasc9 sauce FAR vour oysters the chances
that he will bring you the little bottle just de-
EARLY DAYS OF THE INDUSTRY.
To the origin and growth OF this brand Of Ia
basco pepper sauce a rather interesting story at
taChes II seems that even .'befo' de wah'' E.
McIlhenny, who owned and occupied large estates
in Southern louisiana began 10 put up this sauce
simply for the of his family and friends.
Mr. McIlhenny extensive traveller. and he
first found Of this pepper in the State Of
Tabasco. Central America Mr.. McIlhenny found
this particular plant of such unique flavor and
strength that he was determined TO transplant
made various ineffectual attempts 10 cultivate this
| seed, ultimately finding. however, that the only
soil where this especial pepper plant would grow
IN ts pristine vigor and strength was on island
erly. on the banks OF the Bayou Teche Mr. Nell
| benny. when he had got his first successful crop
of peppers, dubbed the which he made from
it after the Central American State, ''Tabasco, "
L9ga & rePPe9 SAUCE ana ana MIN me aWags M S I r
pepper. so prepared 70 retain all the flavor,
Fng @ 5heT fpd rsqae e4S OF Mr. m @ Menny
| 10 supply some Of his neighbors with his Tabasco
| self with industry and business on his hands.
| basco reason being that his supply OF these
being that as he was a man Of wealth, he was
tte disposed to so hsaEy E into &
now the goods shipped 10 every part OF the
world, And il is curious fact that hot countries
large quantities OF McIlhennys Tahasco, while the
iuds0n-st has been kept busy Of late with ship
| Hardly week goes by that the local Government
| OF bottles for Manila, Havana or Guantanamo.
ABOUT THE M'ILHENNYs.
| The original McIlhenny has been dead several
years. and the business is carried by his two
sons. both OF whom educated in the North
| One OF them a trooper IN Roosevelts Rough
! Riders. and went through the Cuban campaign
| The other has for his hobby Arctic travel and
! exploration and has made several hazardous and
| interesting trips 10 the Far North. To ad
mring circle OF friends here in the city. the other
I day. Mr. MCIhenny declared that II he mad 20
( make a choice. he would much sooner dispense
with furs than with his Tabasco Sauce on his trips
| 10 the Arctic Ocean
| Be that a = may 10 seems that Mc1lhenny 8
I Tabasco II growing into wider use. not simply on
oysters IN all sorts Of dishes prepared IN the
1 kitchen. or course a drop Of it goes great way
\ and many housewives have already learned the
uses OF II IN soups. gravies. salad dressing eggs
/
/ on the point Of wholesomeness Willard H. Morse
/ NJ n American Director GS9s-l9o0 OF the Bureau
J of Materia Medica. has made a report showing
/ that tho McIlhenny's Tahasco is bot and pun.
! rcut-not acrid-sauCe. and, as such. instead OF
hetnC sharply Irritating Is strongly sttmuatVe %
the salivary glands and positive aid 20 digestion
| In flct IN reading Dr. Morse's report one miEhi
| almost think thar this TabascO was the cure for
| an human Ills II hardly he that but u seems
/ fairly clear that ~ any brand OF Tabasco Sauce
] has been administered. with resulting injury. %
| the West Point cadets. II must have been some IN
| rerior and Initiative hrand-of which there are sev
| eral-aud not McIlheuny's Tahaseo sauce