Meet Ben, Founder of Capsicana
If you’re new around here, or just discovering Capsicana, you might be wondering where and how it all began.
Maybe you’re asking, who’s Ben? And what does a brand from Hertfordshire know about fajitas? Well, we could talk for days about how we got our fresh Latin flavour, and how we really know our jalapeño from our tomatillo… Instead, let’s introduce you to our founder himself!
Hey Ben…
Q: Where did your passion for Latin food come from?
A: It was from when I was visiting cantinas owned by someof my Dad’s Mexican friends that I tasted real, authentic Mexican food for thefirst time. This is where it all began. I still remember all the flavours andcolours, and to this day I’ve been hooked!
Q: How did you start Capsicana?
A: Basically I took a leap of faith! I quit my day job inLondon and set up a market stall in my home town with a £500 budget. Overnightmy family kitchen turned into Capsicana’s first ever production line, packingdried and smoked chillies and other ingredients from Latin America to sell tomarket goers in Hitchin, Hertfordshire! Now look at us!
Q: Where do you get recipe inspiration from?
A: I love Latin cookbooks, travelling the region andgoing to food markets. I taste everything!
Q: What’s your favourite Capsicana product?
A: Definitely our Argentinian Sizzling Steak SeasoningMix, it’s a chimmichurri seasoning and is incredible on any cut of steak andhas such a depth of flavour, it’s amazing stuff! I also love our guacamole mix,it does incredible things to an avocado in seconds!
Q: What made you decide to start Capsicana?
A: Capsicana intially started from my love for Mexicanfood and then grew into a passion from Latin American cuisine as I discoveredmore and more about the flavours, ingredients and cooking from the region. Iwanted to bring those flavours to the UK and share the food I love!
Q: What’s your ‘go to’ Latin recipe?
A: I don’t really have a go to Latin recipe, there aretoo many to choose from. If I’m looking for something quick and easy then I’dprobably opt for a quesadilla with whatever happens to be in the fridge plus asprinkling of Capsicana seasoning. Right now I’m into empanadas which you canfind throughout the region in varying sizes and with different types offillings.
Q: If someone hasn’t tried Capsicana yet, what are theymissing out on?
A: Delicious and multi award winning Latin flavours. We workreally hard to make sure we have the best tasting flavours possible and usefantastic, great quality ingredients. There’s nothing like Capsicana in UKsupermarkets. We’re bringing Latin flavour to the dinner tables of the UK andranging from mild to hot, there really is a product for everyone!