Spice rubs are unique in that while there are many different ways to add spices to food, before, during and after cooking, spices are most effective when added prior to the cooking process. The most popular way to do this is by allowing the food to marinate in spices mixed with some kind of liquid, such as olive oil, citrus juice or wine. Another delicious to add extra flair to your cooking methods are to use a spice rub.

What are Spice Rubs

A spice rub is really quite simple; it is nothing more than a mixture of spices and herbs that are literally “rubbed� on to the surface of the food before it is cooked. One of the oldest and most common spice rubs is coarsely-ground black pepper.

For Spice rubs, the grind is important; unlike table spices and those added during sautéing or boiling, these spices are of either of a fairly coarse grind or simply crushed. Spice rub may be applied to the food several hours prior to cooking in order to impart the flavors; it may be left on during the cooking process or removed just prior to applying heat.

Spice rubs are most effective for dry-heat methods of cooking, such as baking, broiling or grilling; pan-frying may be appropriate for spice rubs that contain flour or bread crumbs. Spice rubs are usually applied to meats and fish, but can be used for grilled vegetables such as eggplant as well.

A Personal Thing

In the old days, most cultures and even families came up with their own spice rubs; in many cases, the recipes were closely-guarded secrets passed down from one generation to another.

As modern life has made increasing demands and people find less and less time for food preparation, commercially-prepared spice rubs have become increasingly available. Cajun spice rub is one of the more popular choices, but it is by no means the only one. Here at Starwest Botanicals, you can find a number of different spice rubs for various meats, including beef rubs , poultry rubs , pork rubs and fish rubs. You wont want to miss our Jamaican Jerk Seasoning! These spice rubs are carefully blended from high-quality, organic herbs and spices and can be delivered right to your door.

About Starwest Botanicals

Starwest is the foremost Internet supplier of bulk herbs and spices as well as essential oils and herbal extracts.