About Rose City Pepperheads

Susan McCormick, the brilliant owner and jelly artisan, is the mastermind behind Rose City Pepperheads. Susan's love for making sauces — especially the spicy kind — has been a lifelong passion. Back in the 90s, she began crafting her own pepper jellies, quickly realizing just how incredibly versatile they were in all kinds of cooking, grilling, and as the perfect base for a multitude of delicious sauces! In 1997, Susan officially launched Rose City Pepperheads, introducing Portlanders to her fiery, flavorful jellies that have been a local favorite ever since. She works directly with local farmers to ensure that only the best organic produce, berries, and ingredients go into her jellies. In fact, when Susan isn’t whipping up jelly in the kitchen, you can find her farming her own organically grown hot peppers at one of the last urban farms in Portland, Oregon. Making jelly in the kitchen and selling at farmers markets is more than just a job for Susan — it’s her passion, and it truly shows! Her pepper jellies have earned over 150 Scovie Awards, including two Grand Championships. The Scovie Awards are one of the most coveted fiery food competitions in the world! Susan’s jellies come in a variety of heat levels, ranging from Mild to Wild and even Wicked. Some of the top flavors include Mango Madness, Raspberry Habanero, and her signature Marionberry Blasts. Among her many fan favorites, her Sneaky Ghost jelly — made with her own locally grown Ghost chili peppers Read their story