NICOLE Race has set up a new food business which is proving a hot favourite with chilli fans.

The sauce she imports from American company Pain Is Good is claimed to be hotter than anything produced in the UK.

Mrs Race, who set up her New Tastes business less than a year ago, said customers had particularly blazed a trail for the hot garlic sauce.

"It is really hot so you only need the tiniest drop," she said. "Serious chilli fans know about Scoville ratings and this sauce is rated at 2,500 to 3,500 units.

"I have wanted to bring it to the UK for quite a while and it is definitely appealing to people who like a challenge."

Mrs Race, 33, lives in Darlington and spent two years planning her business and scouring the world for original companies selling innovative and unusual foods.

The range now includes more than 200 products from handmade marshmallows, goji juice and an Egyptian blend of nuts, seeds and spices to claret jam, ginger and chilli chocolates, Desperados Tequila beer and salsas.

Another best-seller, particularly popular with brides, are the preserved wild hibiscus flowers.

Mrs Race said: "You put one in the bottom of a champagne glass and when the drink is poured they open up slowly and are really beautiful.

"They cost £36 for 50 and provide a lovely extra surprise for guests at receptions or hen parties."

She also makes regular appearances at food fairs from Northumberland to York and has just launched New Tastes Events.

Held in people's homes, the evening includes plenty of tasters and the host receives a selection of products as commission on sales.

Mrs Race said: "It is an ideal way to sell the range because people like to taste new things before they buy and I can give them some history and tips about using the foods.

"Our chocolate chilli mustard is a big seller now - people often aren't sure but once they taste it they love it."

She holds events within a 40-mile radius of Darlington, but hopes to build a team of people to cover a much wider area.

She created her business by combining her marketing and business skills with her passion for food.

"I just adore food and cooking," she said. "When I am not sourcing foods for the business I am usually reading food magazines or watching food programmes on TV.

"I am still working part-time as a tutor, but the business is going so well that I plan to concentrate fully on it by the end of the year.

"I have wanted my own business for such a long time and am determined to make a real success of this."

Fortunately, her husband, Neil, and daughters, Danica, 12, and three-year-old Cassidy, are all in favour and only too happy to help out as tasters.

New Tastes can be contacted on 07976-639995 and at www.newtastes.co.uk.