Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Black Gold Shito?
Black Gold Shito is a premium Ghanaian chilli condiment made using carefully selected dried herring, dried prawns, aromatic spices, vegetables and high-quality cooking oil. It is slow-cooked to create a rich, bold and authentic flavour.
2. Is Black Gold Shito spicy?
Yes. Black Gold Shito has a medium to hot level of spice, balanced with rich savoury flavours from fish, prawns and traditional Ghanaian spices. However Vegan shito does not have fish or prawns in it.
3. Does Black Gold Shito contain artificial preservatives?
No. Black Gold Shito contains no artificial preservatives. Its shelf life is achieved through careful preparation, proper cooking, quality ingredients and hygienic packaging.
4. How long does Black Gold Shito last before opening?
When stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, unopened Black Gold Shito can be enjoyed until the best-before date printed on the jar.
5. How long can I keep Black Gold Shito after opening?
For the best quality, refrigerate after opening and consume within approximately 3 months. Always use a clean, dry spoon and keep the lid tightly closed to help maintain freshness.
6. Does Black Gold Shito need to be refrigerated?
Before opening, store in a cool, dry place. After opening, refrigeration is recommended to preserve freshness and flavour.
7. Why should I always use a clean, dry spoon?
Introducing water or food particles into the jar may reduce the product’s shelf life and affect its quality. Using a clean, dry spoon every time helps keep the product fresh.
8. Does Black Gold Shito contain allergens?
Yes. This product contains fish (herring) and crustaceans (prawns/shrimp).
Please read the full ingredient list carefully before consuming if you have any food allergies or intolerances.
9. What should I do if I have an allergic reaction?
If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction after consuming this product, stop eating it immediately and seek urgent medical attention. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about food allergies.
10. Is Black Gold Shito suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No. Our Original Black Gold Shito contains fish and prawns. However, a vegan version is planned for the future.
11. What foods can I enjoy with Black Gold Shito?
Black Gold Shito is delicious with rice, jollof rice, waakye, kenkey, banku, yam, plantain, eggs, bread, grilled meats, seafood, noodles and vegetables. It can also be used as a cooking ingredient, marinade or dipping sauce.
12. Can children eat Black Gold Shito?
As Black Gold Shito contains chilli peppers, it may be too spicy for young children. Parents and carers should use their own judgement based on the child’s age and tolerance for spicy foods.
13. Why is there oil on the surface?
A layer of oil on the surface is completely normal and is a traditional characteristic of authentic Ghanaian shito. The oil helps protect the product by creating a barrier against air, helping to maintain its quality, flavour and moisture during storage.
If you prefer to reduce the amount of oil when serving, simply pour the surface oil into a clean, dry bowl before taking the amount of shito you need. As the rich shito mixture naturally settles at the bottom of the jar, you can spoon your desired amount from the bottom. Once finished, carefully pour the reserved oil back over the remaining shito before closing the lid. This helps keep the surface protected for continued storage.
Always use a clean, dry spoon and keep the lid tightly closed after each use. Refrigerate after opening for the best quality.
14. Why does the colour vary slightly between batches?
Because Black Gold Shito is made using natural ingredients, slight variations in colour and texture may occur from batch to batch. This is a sign of authentic production and does not affect quality.
15. Where is Black Gold Shito made?
Black Gold Shito is proudly produced using an authentic Ghanaian recipe inspired by generations of traditional cooking.
16. How can I contact Black Gold?
If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please contact our customer care team using the details provided on the product label or through our official website.
