All you need to know about ‘Poultry Seasoning’.
So basically, what really is poultry seasoning?
Poultry seasoning refers to vegetarian spice blend made by mixing some conventional spices. The impeccable balance of proportions is what makes this spice mix a true showstopper. Poultry seasoning originates from the Baltimore region where it was first reported, however, the name is a gift given to it later in the States. The popularity of the condiment is justified by its cheap sourcing, deep and rich flavour and that it's in easy access for everyone.
History of poultry seasoning:
There is debate among food critiques regarding the origin of the spice mix however the most common point which comes up is that the recipe or the fixed proportions and the ingredients are somewhat similar to old cookbooks. And hence, when we call Baltimore as the birthplace of the blend, it comes to us as no surprise as the earliest cookbooks were published in the Baltimore region.
What is poultry seasoning made of?
Okay so there is an awful lot of combinations available to create the perfect seasoning(as per the recipe creator xD), but there are some ingredients which are the heart, mind and soul of this recipe and cannot be substituted for anything, under any circumstances. They include :
Sage, Thyme, Marjoram, Oregano
Apart from these traditional ingredients, we can add some ingredients according to our liking and frankly, there is no stopping you from adding herbs and spices you love in the seasoning. Some popular additions include fragrant herbs like Rosemary and Tarragon, ground spices like black pepper and white pepper. Another common ingredient found in some modifications of the original is nutmeg. Mace and garlic are also used in many blends. As you can see, and as I said earlier, there is absolutely no limit to what you add into the mix, you can call it poultry seasoning if it contains the 4 basic ingredients.
Nutritional values of a common poultry seasoning.
Some notable components include 1-Protein, 2-Carbohydrates, 3-Vitamins like Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), and Vitamin B-6 and 4-Minerals like Sodium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron and Manganese. However, it needs to be kept in mind that this is a seasoning and that being said, it is NOT a viable source for any of these nutrients as the quantity per serving little to none as compared to other food sources.
The complete, detailed nutritional value list, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) can be viewed by clicking here.
Some popular branded seasonings include:
1- MCCORMICK® POULTRY SEASONING: This is one of the most popular spice blends in the whole market. Its major ingredients include sage and thyme. You can order it by clicking here.
2- Old Bay Seasoning, For Seafood, Poultry, Salads, and Meats: This includes the common ingredients, plus some unconventional ones too; like celery salt and smoked paprika. You can order it from Amazon.
3- There are a variety of similar goods available on Amazon and other stores.
How to make homemade poultry seasoning easily at home:
It is startling how such an intricate and deeply flavourful recipe can be made easily, with limited ingredients at home. Following some basic steps and using the best quality ingredients will ensure that you get the best results.
The ingredients you would require include:
· Sage (1tbsp)
· Marjoram (1tbsp)
· Thyme (1tbsp)
· Rosemary (1/2tbsp)
· Celery salt (1/2tsp)
· Black pepper (1/2tbsp)
· Oregano (1/2tsp)
It is suggested to take dry herbs and spices to ensure a better texture of the spice mix, however, you can also use fresh herbs as per your convenience.
Now simply mix the ingredients and grind them using a pestle and mortar, or by an electric grinder. And voila! your very own spice blend is ready. And the best part about this recipe is that this is a flexible recipe and you can add things you love, like garlic, ginger and the list goes on, just make sure to avoid any wet condiments.
Some of the unlimited uses of a good poultry seasoning:
1- The best possible use of the seasoning is in the name itself, yes! you guessed it right, for seasoning poultry. The spice mix can be used to season turkey to make the best turkey roast. Be it turkey, chicken or quail, this blend is an all-rounder and works equally well for all birds.
2- Poultry seasoning can be used to make the most delicious chicken stock/chicken broth of all time.
3- Although some might disagree, poultry seasoning can be used as a substitute for Italian seasoning and vice versa. This is so since most of the components of both the condiments are fairly similar.
4- This relish is not only limited to birds, but we can also use it to make the most flavourful beef rub, use it to season veal and it can even be used as a rub on pork.
5- This spice mix can even be used to bake scrumptious herbed savoury bread, casseroles, spiced tortillas and tasty stews.
6- We can also use this seasoning along with some olive oil or yoghurt to make a packing marinade for chicken filets, roast potatoes and the list is very long.
6- Frankly speaking, the sky is the limit when it comes to using poultry seasoning in savoury dishes, just avoid putting it in sweet dishes :)
Conclusion
Poultry seasoning is the fan favourite when it comes to adding flavour to savoury dishes of all sorts. And why wouldn't it be, this blend is perfectly balanced and packs deep flavours of salty, savoury and umami. If you want to make the best roast turkey for Thanksgiving or if you want to make a luscious chicken bake for dinner, poultry seasoning is made for you. The simple yet sapid ingredients of the recipe make it the most desirable choice when we need to elevate a dish from ordinary to the extraordinary.
Author: Syed Hamza Haider
