Certain taco topping - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Certain taco topping," is a classic example of a straightforward definition with a subtle twist. It calls for a common food item, but the word "Certain" is doing some heavy lifting, asking us to be more specific than we might initially think. Let's break down how to approach this kind of clue.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be split into two parts:

1. "taco topping": This is the core category. Your mind should immediately start generating a list of possibilities: lettuce, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and of course, salsa.
2. "Certain": This is a qualifier. It tells us the answer isn't just a generic topping, but a specific type of one. It signals that we're looking for an answer that's more descriptive than a single, general noun.

So, we're not just looking for "SALSA," but a particular kind of salsa. The length of the answer in the grid would be a major giveaway here.

Thinking Approaches

A good strategy for this type of clue is a two-step process:

1. Brainstorm the Category: First, list the general items that fit "taco topping." As mentioned above, this includes salsa, guacamole, etc.
2. Apply the Qualifier: Look at your list and think of common variations. For cheese, you might have "CHEDDAR" or "MONTEREYJACK." For salsa, the most common distinction is heat level. This leads you to think about "hot," "medium," and "mild" varieties.

If you have some crossing letters, they can quickly confirm your hypothesis. For instance, if you see the answer ends in ...SALSA, the "Certain" part of the clue should immediately point you toward an adjective describing it.

Background Context

Salsa, the Spanish word for "sauce," is a staple of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. In the United States, jarred salsa is a ubiquitous condiment, often sold in varying levels of spiciness, typically labeled as mild, medium, or hot. "Mild salsa" is a very common commercial product, making it a perfect fit for a crossword answer that needs a specific, well-known phrase.

Conclusion

This clue beautifully illustrates how a single word--"Certain"--can change the entire direction of a straightforward definition. By recognizing this qualifier, solvers can move beyond the general category and pinpoint the more specific, two-part answer the puzzle is looking for. It's a great reminder to read every word of a clue carefully!

Hints

1. Hint 1: This topping is often tomato-based and can be found in jars in the international aisle of a grocery store.
2. Hint 2: It's a type of sauce, popular in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
3. Hint 3: This particular version is for those who don't enjoy a lot of spicy heat.
4. Hint 4: It's the opposite of a "hot" version of this condiment.

The answer is MILDSALSA.