
Trader Joe's is sometimes criticized for the way that they package their produce. Much of it, with the exception of apples, is packed in little plastic containers that protect the fruit from being damaged or bruised and, in general, make it easy to grab a pre-set amount of tomatoes or other fruits and veggies. The pre-set amount is usually four or five items, depending on size, and can be inconvenient if you either need a lot of things or just want one. One of Trader Joe's newest offerings appeared in stores just this week and takes advantage of the grab-n-go nature of this packaging. It is a little kit containing all the ingredients you need to make fresh salsa: three tomatoes, a jalapeno pepper, a large shallot, garlic cloves and a lime. The instructions are printed right on the label and simply direct you to five up all the ingredients, combine and stir with lime juice.
I opted to make mine in the food processor, mincing the garlic, shallot and most of the jalapeno, then pulsing in the tomatoes and extra pepper. I used everything that was included and added a little bit of salt and pepper, too.

It turned out beautifully. The salsa was fresh, zesty and easy. Of course, it was my use of the food processor that really helped it along, but I will admit that it was convenient to have everything in one little box and ready to go. Is it necessary to buy a "kit" to make salsa? Of course not, but for $1.99, it was a good deal.

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1-15-2007 @4:36PM Allison said... I saw this on Saturday and wondered if it would be good or not. Guess I'll be buying one next trip to TJ's!
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1-15-2007 @4:36PM MJ said... I would worry about the freshness. sometimes convience can mean u give up flavor. I bought a pork roast kit that came with veggies vacum packed. They looked great til i opened it the onions were stinky and horrible and the red potato were half frozen had to toss it out! I dont do kits.
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1-15-2007 @4:50PM Sara said... I saw this the other day - not a bad idea, but where's the cilantro?
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1-15-2007 @5:31PM Ed said... Was this out on the shelves or in the refrigerated section?
I can't see paying $2 for january tomatoes that have been refrigerated :( that's a lot to pay for pink water.
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1-15-2007 @5:40PM logicalmind said... As Sara said, where's the cilantro? Also, you may want to add some cumin along with your salt and pepper.
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1-15-2007 @6:34PM Mike said... Cilantro?? Ewww...
http://www.ihatecilantro.com/
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1-16-2007 @1:16AM Kristina said... Convenient, yes, but cumin and cilantro are REQUIRED in this household. REQUIRED, I say. And it has to be fresh! That said, I wouldn't buy this simply because the tomatoes wouldn't be tasty "Pink water" is apt. It's great for bachelors cooking for their dates and great for introducing the concept of non-jarred salsa to new cooks. Not so great if you want a really good tomato.
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1-16-2007 @3:17AM Vic said... Hello,
Alot of great notes on here ..
I say to each his own...but for just a few bucks more you can buy all the ingredients you LIKE, 1 of this 2 of that and omit those you don't ..Whip(or should I say chop, mince, etc) it up and you have it tasting 100% more awsome then the kit but got the idea how to do it from the kit now...lol Right On!! oola you're done. Another good homemade Guacamole recipe from me, goes like this: 2 Avacodos(not to ripe, not to soft), small onion, 1 Tablspoon finely choped jalapeno pepper(canned or fresh), 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 sm. chopped tomatoe, season salt and pepper , maybe red pepper to taste. First Peel and mash avacadoes add lemon juice til fine lumpy texture is good), then add all ingredients and mix..ooola serve with corn chips, tostidas, etc..yummy...
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