Gruber's hot & painful BBQ sauce. Spicy BBQ sauce made from domestic plums – fruity, savory, and with a good kick of chili.

Gruber's hot & painful BBQ sauce is a spicy BBQ sauce from the "Fruchtzauberei" (Fruit Magic) workshop in Reigersberg near Ilz in Eastern Styria. The base is domestic plum pulp, combined with apples, tomato puree, onion, garlic, spices, and chili. 260 g in a jar, no artificial colors, for steak, ribs, and burgers.

Gruber's hot & painful BBQ sauce is the spicy one of the three BBQ sauces from Fruchtzauberei. The name sounds like a dare, but what it actually refers to is a sauce with a solid level of heat that still allows you to taste what’s on your plate. The foundation is unusual: instead of tomato ketchup or liquid smoke, domestic plum pulp is the first ingredient on the list. The "Hauszwetschke" is a traditional Austrian plum variety, dark and fruity. It gives the sauce a sweetness and depth reminiscent of plum sauce from Asian cuisine. The chili provides the "hot," while the fruit ensures that it’s more than just heat.

Dark fruit first, then the chili follows

The sauce starts out fruity: plum and apple, with a sweet-and-sour note from vinegar and tomato. Garlic and onion provide the savoriness. Then, the heat builds and lingers for a while. It is clearly noticeable, but it does not completely overpower the fruit.

Compared to the spicy & hot BBQ sauce, which is peach-based and medium-spicy, this one is darker and spicier. The sweet & sour BBQ sauce is the mild version without chili. If you enjoy spicy food, you will find a heat level here perfect for any barbecue night. Those who generally avoid spice should opt for the sweet & sour instead.

Ribs, steak, burgers, and bratwurst

At the grill, this sauce acts as both a companion and a glaze. For spare ribs, brush it onto the meat during the last few minutes so the sugar caramelizes slightly. For steaks, pork neck, or chicken legs, serve it as a dip on the table.

On a burger, it replaces both ketchup and hot sauce in one go. It pairs just as well with bratwurst, Käsekrainer sausage, or cevapcici as it does with pulled pork in a bun. Grilled vegetables, like corn on the cob or potato wedges, also get a boost of fruit and fire with a dollop.

In the kitchen, stir a spoonful into chili con carne or a bolognese sauce when it needs more depth. Mixed with sour cream or Greek yogurt, it turns into a milder, creamy dip for nachos and wedges.

Our tip: Marinate chicken wings overnight in two tablespoons of sauce, a little oil, and salt. Cook them until crispy in the oven or on the grill, and brush with more sauce just before serving.

A BBQ sauce from the fruit kitchen

The sauce comes from Reigersberg near Ilz, a small town in Eastern Styria. That is where the farm belonging to Fruchtzauberei is located. Its history dates back to 1860, and fruit, especially apples, has been grown there since the early 1990s. Master fruit grower René Gruber is in charge of the fruit, while chef Beatrix handles the sauces, jams, and chutneys.

BBQ sauces are part of the product range, alongside jams, chutneys, and pesto. The fact that the sauces are based on fruit rather than ketchup shows the signature of a fruit manufactory. The recipes are developed through joint tasting and experimentation, and are made by hand. You can buy the sauces at the farm shop, at selected retailers, and from us.

For BBQ fans who like it hot

This sauce is for everyone who likes to add a bit of heat to their barbecue while appreciating fruit and savory notes. It suits barbecue nights with ribs and burgers, and anyone who likes to refine their bolognese with a kick.

The spicy & hot BBQ sauce is medium-spicy and peach-based, while the sweet & sour BBQ sauce is mild. You can find all products on the Gruber's Fruchtzauberei page, and more sauces under Ketchup & BBQ Sauces.

It is not suitable for children or for anyone sensitive to chili.

A spicy BBQ sauce made from domestic plums and chili – for ribs, burgers, and barbecue evenings with friends.