Starting a business is never easy. But siblings Herman and Jessica Chu are up for the challenge, and want everyone to experience their Chumami Chili Oil. The chili oil is a wholesome three-generation secret family recipe with no preservatives, artificial flavorings or coloring, or MSG.
“Our mom has been making this chili oil as long as we can remember,” Jessica says. “It’s quite a long process to make our chili oil, so our mom would only make it once a year. She’d always give a jar to friends and family. Immediately, people would reach out for more. It was something we loved and that was always special to us and we wanted to be able to share it with others.”
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Why Choose Chumami Chili Oil?
Chumami Chili Oil is a curated blend of ripe bird eye chili peppers, dried shrimps, and spices. “Although we’re excited to bring our family heritage as first generation Chinese Americans, our chili oil is a flavor enhancer that takes any dish to the next level regardless of its ethnicity,” Herman says.
For instance, you can drizzle, lather, or slather Chumami Chili Oil on vegetables, breads, dumplings, sandwiches, pastas, pizzas, and more. In fact, the siblings point out they’ve found ways to work the oil into every meal, from breakfast to dinner. It also “adds a beautiful kick to your favorite barbecue glazes,” Herman says.
Made in New Jersey
Herman and Jessica currently craft small batches of Chumami Chili Oil at Garden State Kitchen in Orange. They also source local chili peppers, grown at Feisty Pepper in Oak Ridge. In fact, they had to meet with the owner of Feisty Pepper just to see if he could grow it. “After a year of hard work and patience, we were able to use a lot of the harvest to prepare our most recent batches of Chumami,” Jessica says.
Both Herman and Jessica were raised, and still reside, in NJ. They haven’t yet quit their day jobs for Chumami Chili Oil, “But we hope we can someday!” Jessica says.
The siblings currently sell Chumami Chili Oil online through their website, where you can also buy stickers and T-shirts. (With limited time free delivery to Morris County residents.) In addition, the oil is available at &Home in Chester and through NJ Gourmet Meal Prep. Look for them online to learn more.
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All Photos: © Chumami Chili Oil
