Marie Sharp, Belize’s “Queen of Habanero,” featured on Thrillist for her fruity, fiery hot sauce

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Marie Sharp, the 83-year-old matriarch behind Belize’s beloved habanero hot sauce, has gained international acclaim for her iconic condiments. Recently, she achieved a remarkable feat as she was featured on Thrillist, a prominent travel and food website, showcasing her journey from a chance creation to becoming the “Queen of Habanero.”

Known for its verdant rainforests and stunning coastline, Belize has also become synonymous with its sweat-inducing cuisine, where the habanero pepper reigns supreme. The hot sauce, rated 100,000 to 350,000 on the Scoville scale, is a must-have accompaniment for locals and tourists alike, adding a fruity yet fiery kick to traditional Belizean dishes such as rice and beans with stew chicken.

In the recent article penned by Jessica Sulima on Thrillist, Marie Sharp’s journey to creating her signature habanero pepper sauce was chronicled. Named after its founder, Marie Sharp’s Pepper Sauce has become a symbol of pride and joy for Belizeans everywhere and a cherished souvenir for visitors to take back home.

Marie’s journey began in the 1960s when she married her late husband, Gerry Sharp, a citrus pioneer. Together, they managed the family-owned Melinda Estate, which later became the Marie Sharp factory. A chance request from a doctor in the 1980s led Marie to plant habanero peppers, resulting in an abundance of fresh peppers that she ingeniously transformed into a unique mash. Experimenting with ingredients like bananas, papayas, and cabbage, Marie eventually created the carrot-based sauce that won over everyone’s taste buds.

Despite initial challenges in the local market, Marie persisted and gradually grew her business, eventually exporting her products to friends in the United States. Her delectable hot sauce gained popularity, making its way to more than 36 countries worldwide. The article highlighted Marie’s significant impact on the pepper sauce industry and how she inadvertently put Belize on the spicy map.

Thrillist lauded Marie Sharp’s commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and the brand’s emphasis on supporting Belizean farmers and providing employment opportunities. Marie’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to empowering women within her company were also recognized.

In 2016, Marie Sharp received a prestigious honor, being inducted into the New York City Hot Sauce Hall of Fame, an accolade that showcased her remarkable contributions to the industry. The article on Thrillist celebrated her achievements and the deep impact she has had on countless entrepreneurs who were inspired to start their own ventures after encountering her story.

Marie Sharp’s unique sauces, ranging from “Mild” to “Beware,” cater to diverse palates, reflecting Belize’s rich cultural diversity. From celebrities like Hillary Clinton to fans on the popular YouTube show Hot Ones, Marie’s hot sauces have garnered a loyal following worldwide.

The recent feature on Thrillist has brought Marie Sharp’s story to a broader audience, shedding light on her legacy as the “Queen of Habanero” and a Belizean culinary icon. With her products now making their way to major U.S. supermarket chains like Walmart and Kroger due to growing customer demand, Marie’s hot sauce empire continues to flourish.

As visitors flock to Belize and locals proudly savor each spicy bite, Marie Sharp’s Habanero Pepper Sauce stands as a testament to the passion, perseverance, and innovation of one remarkable woman, whose flavorful creations have put Belize’s fiery cuisine on the global stage.

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