Matt and Catharine, founders of HYCH Hot Sauce

Unique flavors are simmering in Salem, Oregon. Catharine and Matt Kuerbis, the duo behind HYCH: Heat You Can Handle have embarked on a culinary adventure that spans continents, from the lush landscapes of Costa Rica to the local Salem community. Their journey is not just about crafting hot sauces but about creating experiences that bring people together through the universal language of food.

The story of HYCH: Heat You Can Handle begins in Costa Rica, where Catharine and Matt were immersed in a world of vibrant flavors and communal meals. It was here, amidst the hustle and bustle of preparing food for music festival crews, that the idea of a sauce company took root. Matt’s homemade sauces, born out of necessity and creativity, quickly became a hit. The couple saw potential in these flavors, envisioning a brand that could capture the essence of their experiences in a bottle. By 2016, this vision started to take shape in their home kitchen in Salem, marking the beginning of their flavorful journey.

Like many businesses, HYCH: Heat You Can Handle faced the unforeseen challenges of COVID-19. The pandemic prompted a pivot to online cooking classes, a move that not only sustained their business but also expanded their community. This shift, alongside a gradual move from farmers markets to grocery stores and e-commerce, reflects their adaptability and commitment to their craft. Matt has taken the cooking classes off their website, but still offers some cooking classes as team building experiences for local businesses or organizations by request.

What sets HYCH: Heat You Can Handle apart is its commitment to flavor over sheer heat. Catharine and Matt noticed a trend in the hot sauce market: sauces that prioritized spice at the expense of taste. According to Matt, “Everybody has a hot sauce that they’ve bought, that’s a novelty sauce that’s too hot. They use only once, then it eventually migrates to the back of the fridge and is never used again.” Catharine and Matt sought to change that narrative. Their sauces are designed to be a chef’s companion in the kitchen, versatile enough to be used liberally without overpowering the dish. This philosophy is encapsulated in their brand name, HYCH: Heat You Can Handle, a nod to their commitment to creating sauces that everyone can enjoy.

From Korean Bibimbap to Guajillo, each of the five sauce flavors in the HYCH: Heat You Can Handle line is bursting with flavor waiting to be enjoyed. Their original flavor, Guajillo, reminiscent of Chef Matt’s creations in Costa Rica, is a tribute to their journey. The wide-mouthed 6 ounce bottles invite generous use, a deliberate choice to encourage culinary exploration. Their marketing strategy emphasizes this openness, welcoming all to experience the depth of flavors they offer.

Culinary Retreats: A Global Taste Adventure

Culinary retreats grew as a natural extension of Catharine and Matt’s passion. Catharine explained, “These adventures are more than just trips; they are immersive experiences that blend the joy of travel with the love of food.” From the cloud forests of Costa Rica to the rolling hills of Tuscany, each retreat is designed to offer intimate culinary experiences that stray from the beaten path. The overwhelming response to their Tuscany trip reflects a shared desire for authentic, hands-on food adventures. The next Costa Rica retreat starts on April 24, 2024. As of the writing of this article, there may be some last minute bookings available, but the window of opportunity is closing quickly. Bookings are currently also open for the fall retreat planned to Italy on September 7-14, 2024. More information can be found on their website.

Local Community Involvement

Catharine and Matt’s journey is deeply rooted in the Salem community. The support they’ve received, which was unexpected and overwhelming, has been a source of inspiration and encouragement. It’s a reminder of the power of community and the shared desire to see each other succeed.

Their involvement in Salem extends beyond business. By supporting local causes and participating in community events, Catharine and Matt are weaving HYCH: Heat You Can Handle into the fabric of local life. Their efforts reflect a belief in the importance of community and the role of businesses in fostering connections. Chef Matt teaches one day a week at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and he is also on the industry advisory group for CTEC (Career Technical Education Center with Salem-Keizer Public Schools) and spends time with the students there on occasion.

HYCH: Official Hot Sauce of NW Taco Fest

Also, according to their website, one of the organizations that is near and dear to their hearts is the Oregon Humane Society. In honor of Buddy, the original HYCH mascot who passed away in 2021, they “donate a portion of every bottle sold to the Oregon Humane Society to help animals in our community find their way to loving homes.”

What’s Next for HYCH: Heat You Can Handle?

Looking ahead, Catharine and Matt are focused on expanding HYCH: Heat You Can Handle in meaningful ways. They dream of more culinary retreats, a stronger online presence, and deeper community engagement. Their vision is a testimony to their passion for food, travel, and the people they meet along the way.

Their journey from Costa Rica to Salem is a celebration of flavor, community, and the joy of shared meals. They invite you to join them in this culinary adventure, whether through a bottle of their carefully crafted hot sauce or a spot on their next culinary retreat. It’s an invitation to experience the world, one taste at a time.

What are you waiting for?

HYCH: Heat You Can Handle hot sauces can be purchased locally at Roth’s Fresh Markets and Fred Meyer and the local Salem Saturday Market. Also available to purchase online.