Used in Southern China as a condiment and as a glaze for roasted meats, hoisin sauce is part of the bean sauce family. It is a rich, thick, dark brownish-red sauce made from soya bean paste, garlic, vinegar, sugar, spices and other flavourings. It is at once sweet and spicy, with a texture ranging from creamy-thick to thin. In the West, it is often used as a sauce (mixed with sesame oil) for Peking duck instead of the traditional bean sauce. Hoisin sauce is sold in cans and jars. Store in the refrigerator, where it will keep indefinitely.