The Flavor Profile
​The Heat (Ghost Pepper): This is the backbone. Ghost peppers (Bhut Jolokia) provide a slow-building, intense heat that lingers much longer than standard cayenne or jalapeño. Expect a stinging "bloom" of spice.
​The Zest (Black Lime): This is the "secret weapon" ingredient. Black lime (dried lime) adds a sour, fermented, and slightly earthy citrus punch. It cuts through the sugar of the ketchup and the intensity of the pepper better than standard vinegar would.
​The Base (Smoked Paprika, Onion, & Garlic): * Smoked Paprika provides a deep, woodsy aroma and a rich crimson color.
​Onion and Garlic powders offer that essential savory (umami) foundation that makes it taste like a "sauce" rather than just a hot syrup.