Making a Better Dry Rub

By: Joe Johnson
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:17:43
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

Go to any grocery store, specialty food shop, or food show, and the shelves will be overflowing with dry rubs and seasoning blends. Many of these have names and packages that will either leave you smiling or scratching your head, but the sad part is, 99% of these have two things in common - lack of originality and flavor. It is the same old same old - a few different spices thrown together to create something that smells and tastes like Shake and Bake.

But, it is that remaining 1% that truly go out of their way to create a blend that is uniquely theirs. For them it is more than just a way to make a dollar - it is a passion. A passion for achieving a top notch product that truly stands out from the crowd. It is through the use of better ingredients that they are able to make this happen.

Most dry rubs and seasonings begin using a similar formula - a mixture of paprika, peppers, salt, sugars, and other spices. Depending on the flavor the manufacturer is trying to achieve, they may also include very specific and sometimes unusual ingredients. This is where most dry rubs fall short.

When working with a computer, if you put junk in, you get junk out, and dry rubs are no different. Use a less than quality ingredient, and you end up with a less than quality product. Most people are unaware that virtually each and every spice used has varying levels of quality. For example, let's look at black peppercorns. There are a wide number of varieties, some of which are well known as being of higher quality. This is due to their higher concentrations of the pungent oils that give them flavor. Obviously, the higher the concentration of oil, the greater the flavor, and of course, the higher the cost.

Because of this increased cost, most dry rub manufacturers will simply use whatever ingredients are available at the lowest costs. Needless to say, this robs the dry rub of ever achieving a superior flavor. Prime point, try comparing true Hungarian paprika with the standard off-the-shelf variety...there is no comparison.

As a further cost saving measure, many manufacturers rely on additives and flavorings to reduce their costs. For example, rather than actually use products that have been slow smoked, many manufacturers will use smoke flavorings to give their products an "off the grill" flavor. While this is a cost efficient way of producing a rub, it is not how you produce a quality product. While very good at coming close, additives and flavorings very rarely equal the flavor of the real ingredient, robbing you of flavor (I won't even get into the health concerns of additives here...that's a whole other article!)

So the next time you are in the grocery store and are about to purchase that bottle of dry rub, put it down and take the time to reward yourself with a truly high quality product. You won't regret it, and who knows, you may even discover flavors you never knew existed!

Joe Johnson is a proud Texan and founding partner and chief pit-master with Caroline's Rub, where he is in charge of product promotion and development for their line of gourmet dry rubs, smoked salt, and Texas chili seasoning.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Cooking category

  • Looking for a Great Meal Idea? Try Ordering Fresh Seafood Online! - By: Shannon Linnen
    Ordering fresh seafood online can be a great way to get the fresh seafood that you want without having to go to the store. Instead of being caught two weeks ago, you can get the freshest fish possible, caught yesterday and shipped right to your door. It sounds silly to think that your 'fresh' fish has probably spent at least a week in a warehouse or refrigerated truck, but it's true.
  • Baking Information for Beginner Chefs - By: Japinder Singh
    Baking can be an intimidating process when one is first learning. Images of smoke pouring out of the oven and rock hard rolls can haunt thoughts of preparing a Thanksgiving dinner. But have no fear; there are a few simple ways to avoid the confusion and stress that comes with baking. The first key is to gain a basic understanding of what you are looking to make such as ingredients, and the baking process.
  • Fresh Live Lobsters Whenever you Want Them - By: Rex Magnum
    There are so many delicious recipes that you can make with fresh live lobsters that you'll be sure to impress your family, neighbors and friends. Why not try a nice light lobster bisque on a chilly fall night? A lobster bake is the perfect meal for a large amount of guests. And when you're having an intimate get together, pair your lobster with our set of bibs and claw crackers, and let everyone crack right into their own lobster!
  • Smoked Salmon Gift Sets Make Great Presents - By: Rex Magnum
    smoked salmon gift sets are a great way to set your gift apart this holiday season, while treating your family to an indulgent gift. It's not only a healthy option for family, but for your wallet as well. At Smoked Salmon Delivered, we've created gift sets that have something for everyone, and are sure to impress everyone you sent them out to this year.
  • Fresh Live Lobster Makes A Great Gift - By: Rex Magnum
    Fresh lobster is the best. There are so many different dishes that taste great with lobster. And cracking open a freshly steamed lobster is one of life's great pleasures. Unless you live close to a coast however, it's unlikely it's a pleasure you get to indulge in often. Sure, most grocery store offer 'live' lobster, but they're usually old and sickly by the time they reach your store, and they're over prices.
  • Smoked Salmon Gift Sets are a Unique Gift - By: Rex Magnum
    Smoked salmon is something that everyone loves to eat, but that we all feel a little guilty about indulging in because of the price. But what you didn't know was that by ordering online, you can save a bundle. This means that your family are going to get the snacks that they love, you'll get to save some serious cash, and they'll never know. It's a great way to be the hit of the family Christmas party without breaking the bank!
  • Undertake 9 Guidelines You are Always Looking for Cooking - By: IK SERVE
    If you are as busy as most people you are always looking for ways to feed your family in convenient, fast, yet not-too-expensive ways. Try the following suggestions: 1. Cooking several meals for the week at one time. It may take a few hours of your time up front but will pay off in the long run when you come home each evening and have a meal ready to
  • Fresh Smoked Salmon is Fantastic! - By: Rex Magnum
    Smoked salmon is indeed a pleasure. Of course you can pick it up at the grocery store, but that old packaged fish can't really compare to the delights of fresh smoked salmon. Sometimes, it's actually even another fish! A holiday party with family and friends can be well complimented by a buffet that centers around delicious smoked salmon. And it's easy for you to order everything you'll need online, without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home.
  • Ring in the New Year with a Smoked Salmon Gift Basket - By: Rex Magnum
    When you want to impress the inlaws without busting your budget, a smoked salmon gift basket is a surefire way to go with your gift giving. Smoked salmon is seen as a luxury, and imagine everyone's surprise when it's delivered right to their home, right in time for a perfect holiday brunch.
  • Dining in Benidorm - By: Larry Austin
    As Benidorm draws in millions of visitors from all corners of the globe, it is understandable that the restaurants in the locality reflect this by offering a comprehensive choice of cuisine. From fast-food and seafood, to fine dining and delicious local delicacies, travellers will find that they are often stuck for choice.