Earth Drifter spices up Humboldt’s taste buds

Humboldt County’s food scene is no stranger to creativity. Earth Drifter’s salsa macha, a Eureka-based brand founded by Nadia Eberman, brings this spirit to life by celebrating the rich cultural heritage of dried chiles and the history behind the ingredients. 

Salsa macha is a Mexican chile oil from Veracruz, Eberman said, and it is made with dried chiles, garlic, nuts and seeds in rich oil. For Eberman, salsa macha is not just another chile, it is a revelation. The first time she tried it, she questioned where it had been all her life. Introduced to the chile oil by a friend, she was immediately hooked. From there, the recipe entered her kitchen through someone even closer.

“My mom showed me the recipe. I love food, so I was really excited about it. I was having issues with work, and I was on disability,” Eberman said. “I wanted to figure out what I could do instead of working a nine to five. I was molding all these ideas and I was like ‘oh my gosh, I love salsa macha.’”

That passion quickly turned into action. Eberman’s first event selling her salsa at Organic Matters Ranch in Eureka, gave her a chance to share her creation with the community. Locals responded with immediate love and advice. Many suggested she create a spicier version, a challenge she gladly accepted. Today, mild and spicy options are available on the shelves of Eureka Natural Foods in the Humboldt Made section, ready to give your next meal a kick.

The product’s identity extends beyond the jar. At Earth Drifter booths, customers are greeted by a bold logo that blends heritage with modern design. That design came together through an unexpected reunion. Alex Caldera, friend of Eberman, took on the execution of the branding and design. While the visuals are his craft, the ideas are all Eberman’s, infused with her essence and story.

“I was doing an event in Long Beach, and just spotted him.” Emberman said. “I haven’t seen him in years honestly since he was in high school, I was telling him how I wanted to rebrand my things and he was all, ‘Let me help you.’ Which is awesome, he’s really been there for me.”

Locals’ reactions of the fieriness ranged from immediate to delayed facial expressions, or none from the strong folks. Eberman sells frequently at Farmers’ markets locally and at Humboldt Made events. With her appearance at the North Country Fair in Arcata, on Sept. 20-21, Humboldt local Ilana Mahoe went for the mild option.

“It was really good, it was the perfect spiciness, I love the hint of peanut in it,” Mahoe said. “ I feel like other chile oils are very strong and just the chile flavor. This one has a lot of flavor profiles,”

Her partner Mathew Villava went for the spiciest from the get-go. 

“It was good, the flavor was delayed, and it was there. And when it came in late it was really strong. It hit for sure,” Villiva said. 

Elijah Marshall, Humboldt local, felt similar excitement.

“It seemed like it wasn’t going to hit, then it hit the back of my tongue. I feel like if I actually absorbed it into my throat the moment I would start coughing, like really bad, only certain people could take it. I got melanin, I can handle it,” Marshall said. 

Surprising layers of flavor tie directly into Earth Drifter, a brand built on boldness and movement. The name came from the joy received from traveling, but not necessarily feeling grounded anywhere.  It’s more than just salsa macha to Eberman. Being multi-racial, with Indigenous and Mexican roots, there’s a deep connection to crafting this chile.

“I feel like it’s not just my business too, it’s a story about my life,” Eberman said. “And I feel like when I make that chile I’m putting it in there, like my love, everything.