McIlhenny Company, the American firm that makes Tabasco, was given the royal seal of approval in 2009. Yet the royal family’s enjoyment of the spicy sauce goes back much further. The Queen Mother allegedly had her staff searching the streets of London for the stuff during World War II, when Tabasco was in short supply due to rationing. The original recipe, featuring just red peppers, vinegar and salt, has been used by the McIlhenny family for over 150 years.

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