Q&A: Roslindale's Torres Owns NoLa's Fresh Foods Making Two Salsas

Roslindale resident Sherie Torres owns NoLa's Fresh Foods, she spoke about salsa, why she started making her own, and where you can buy the products with Roslindale Patch.

Patch: You're from Roslindale?

Torres: My wife and I live in Roslindale. We bought a house here two years ago but have lived in Roslindale for five years and before that I was in JP (Jamaica Plain) for five years.

Patch: You have your own food distribution company? What is it called?

Torres: I own NoLa’s Fresh Foods, which produces and distributes two types of salsa.

Patch: Why is it called NoLa's Fresh Foods?

Torres: I am originally from New Orleans, La, and I wanted to pay tribute to my hometown, where I learned to cook and got my love of food.

Patch: What do you sell?

Torres: I sell authentic Mexican-style salsas. They are all natural with no preservatives, chemicals or sugars.  The two flavors are Salsa Fresca, and Fire Roasted Corn and Black Bean.

Patch: Where do you prepare the salsa? In your house?

Torres: I work out of the Crop Circle Kitchen, which is a shared commercial kitchen space located in the Brewery complex in JP.

Patch: What made you want to start your own food company? Why salsa?

Torres: I have always loved cooking and I cooked in restaurants while in high school and college. I lived in Austin, Texas, where I learned to make authentic Mexican salsas. People always ask me to make my salsa fresca for parties and gatherings and when I wanted to quit my retail job and go into business for myself I decided to start selling my salsa wholesale. I then decided to make a roasted corn and black bean salsa, as well.  

Patch: Where do you get your ingredients from? How about your recipe(s)?

Torres: My ingredients come from the Chelsea Produce Market. It is impossible to get fresh produce that is locally grown in New England during the fall and winter months. My recipes I developed are from when I cooked in Texas.

Patch: What are the best types of tomatoes for salsa?

Torres: I use Roma/Plum tomatoes.

Patch: What other products are you planning on making or distributing?

Torres: Right now I am focusing on the two salsas to start.  I may make a roasted tomatillo salsa in the future.  

Patch: Where can you buy NoLa's Fresh Food products?

NoLa’s Salsas are available in the following locations:

1. Village Market in Roslindale
2. Blanchard’s Wine and Spirits in Jamaica Plain
3. Harvest Co-op (South Street and Arboretum)
4. Allandale Farms
5. City Feed (both locations)
6. Whole Foods (paperwork is being processed and Dedham will be home store) 
7. Volente Farms in Needham
8. American Provisions in South Boston
9. Brookline Winter Farmer’s Market (The Arcade)

Patch: Anything else you'd like to add?

Torres: I wanted to start a food company that brought great food to people at a decent price.  In my salsas I use only fresh ingredients with no chemicals, preservatives or sugars.  I wanted to make a delicious product that people felt good about eating and feeding to their family and friends.  I also wanted to bring authentic Mexican salsas to New England.