Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Badia Spices. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.
Badia Spices – 3 Varieties Review
I love a good American Dream story, and Badia Spices might have the best one you have heard in a while. Started in 1967 by a Cuban exile who moved to the Little Havana area of Miami and wanted to open a spice company. As the community grew, the little spice company grew. This brave immigrant reached out to the hispanic market as well as his fellow Cubans and as the two communities grew, again this immigrant’s company grew. Today his son runs the company and competes with other spice companies like McCormick Spice for customers and is pushing the hundred of millions in annual sales. This seems like what the American Dream is made of, but I learned they are much more than just a dream, they are very rooted in community while always expanding their reach.
As the days plug away I often think of all the things that I want to do before I turn 40 and increasingly cooking becomes forefront in my mind. I have always been hesitant toward using spices, partially due to a severe case of acid reflux, but mostly because I do not know what spices to use for what food. I am often plagued with the worry of ruining the food rendering it inedible, although my husband claims this has yet to happen. I promised myself that I would “spice things up” as I approach July, so given Badia’s reputation for spice I reached out to them for some review samples.
The package I received from Badia Spices contained Black Pepper, Complete Seasoning and Holy Smokes Pork and Meat Rub. The first one that got put into the rotation for cooking was the Black Pepper. This was a crisper and fresher version of the black pepper I am accustomed to using – this sharper pepper had a wonderful almost lemony finish. The Complete Seasoning was like nothing I have tasted before. The ingredients for the Seasoning explained why It was a new taste and they included dehydrated garlic and onions, salt, spices (that includes cumin), herbs. The first flavor you taste is the onion, and finishes with a mild spice flavor with a even milder after taste.
I would have to say I had the most fun with the 3rd spice they sent me, the Holy Smokes Pork and Meat Rub. The rub is made of smoked salt, paprika, brown sugar, dehydrated garlic, chipotle chili peppers, cocoa powder and spices.
I also learned that the Holy Smokes Pork and Meat Rub was inspired by a mix made by a recent college graduate from FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Not only did this lucky graduate get bragging rights, she won a $5000.00 scholarship and a percentage of US and International sales from this rub goes to the school in perpetuity (in other words, forever).
Spices are a fun thing to add layers of flavors to otherwise plain food. Badia Spices keeps their prices low, which allows for constant experimentation with little financial guilt. You can find Badia Spices in many grocery stores in the spice isle or you can purchase Badia Spices online, click here or on Amazon, click here
To visit Badia Spices online, click here