Tương Ớt Phúc Lộc Thọ is a Vietnamese fermented chili sauce produced by Spico in Thanh Hóa Province. Its base consists of fresh chili peppers grown in the province. The peppers undergo natural fermentation before being combined with the remaining ingredients. The recipe includes natural pineapple vinegar, fish sauce from Hoằng Hóa, cane sugar from Lam Sơn, sea salt from Ninh Bình Province and garlic. Pineapple vinegar gives the sauce mild acidity and subtle fruity notes. Cane sugar softens the sharpness of the chili peppers and contributes moderate sweetness. The concentrated fish sauce enhances the saltiness and gives the flavor greater depth. Garlic adds a pronounced aromatic note that complements the fermented chili. The finished sauce has a hot, mildly sweet-and-sour flavor and a persistent aroma of fermented ingredients. It is produced in three varieties with heat levels rated five, seven and nine out of ten. All three varieties follow the same fermented recipe and differ primarily in the intensity of their heat. The sauce can be served as a dip with bread, spring rolls and fried dishes, used as a meat marinade or added to fried noodles and rice. After opening, it should be refrigerated and consumed within 45 days.
Producer
Spico is a Vietnamese producer of fermented sauces and seasonings operating under Spicy Country, a company based in Thanh Hóa. The company was founded in 2020 by Lê Minh Cương, who began researching methods for processing locally grown chili peppers in 2009. Its first products were sold at local fairs, while the range was later expanded and distributed throughout Vietnam. Spico focuses on preserving traditional Vietnamese fermentation methods and adapting them to modern production. The chili peppers undergo natural fermentation in earthenware jars for three to six months, depending on the variety and recipe. Fresh ingredients are selected and processed shortly after harvest, while the fermented peppers are subsequently ground, slowly reduced and pasteurized. The main ingredients are sourced from different parts of Vietnam, including chili peppers from Thanh Hóa Province, tomatoes from Lâm Đồng Province and sea salt from Ninh Bình Province. Some products also contain traditional fish sauce from Hoằng Hóa and unrefined cane sugar from Lam Sơn. The range includes fermented chili sauces, tomato sauces, chili and garlic condiments, dipping sauces, marinades and special products intended for children and people following a vegan diet. One of its better-known products is Phúc Lộc Thọ chili sauce. Spico products are distributed through retail outlets and online platforms in Vietnam, while the company also reports exports to Canada and the Netherlands.