This isn’t any typical Gen Z late-night craving, Hot honey is a trend that’s been around for a while. It’s considered the ultimate sweet and spicy mixed condiment. Most notably, Hot Honey has been implemented on pizza to rising popularity. So, where has the craving for this condiment originated from?
It’s 2003 in Brazil. Mike Kurtz, then a student, was studying abroad. He encountered a local pizzeria where he discovered jars of honey with chili pepper. Apparently, the jars used to be drizzled on pies. Kurtz quickly fell in love with the flavor and began to experiment with it when he came home.
Fast forward to 2010, Kurtz moved to Brooklyn, where he works at Paulie Gee’s pizzeria. After mastering his chili-infused honey recipe, Kurtz decided to share it with Paulie. The owner loved the style so much that he added it to the menu. Word spread around about the flavor thanks to it being implemented on the Paulie Gee dish, the “Hellboy” pizza. The demand was so high that Mike began bottling and selling his own honey. And the rest is history.
Mike’s Hot Honey was the trendsetter that made the condiment a hot product in the culinary world. Grocery stores have it on shelves and kitchens use it as an optional sauce. The condiment has proven to be versatile with dishes such as fried chicken, ice cream, quesadillas, and even potato chips. McDonald’s has also gotten on the trend with the limited time Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
Kurtz has not only become a wealthy man but a trailblazing innovator. His idea changed the way we think about pairing flavors. If you want to know why condiments such as MayoCue, Kranch, HoneyRacha, etc, have been combined, look no further than seeing Mike Kurtz Hot Honey being the trend staple it is today.
