New Mexico State to unveil branded salsa; hosts taste-test to find partner

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - Things are getting spicy at New Mexico State, where the Aggies are again getting into the food and beverage game. This time, it's the salsa!

The New Mexico State athletic department held a salsa taste-test on Thursday, where a panel of six judges sampled salsas from vendors across the state to vote on what will ultimately become the official brand salsa of the Aggies.

The Aggies are at the forefront of collegiate consumables, with school-branded beer, whiskey, wine, coffee, candles, and now salsa.

All the revenue from sales goes to the school, as New Mexico State Athletic Director Mario Moccia alluded to need to alleviate loss of revenue from the coronavirus pandemic.

Among the judges at La Posta de Mesilla restaurant in Las Cruces was New Mexico State Head Basketball Coach Chris Jans.

"I tend to lean more on the mild side," said Jans of his taste in salsa. "I think my stomach has adjusted somewhat to the Southwest and I can handle a little more heat maybe than when I arrived but I'm not on the spicy side that's for sure."

Jans signed a six-year contract extension to remain as Head Coach of the Aggies in the offseason. His winning percentage of .758 is the fifth-best among all active NCAA Division I Head Coaches.