Summary

Rocky Mountain Rub is a robust blend that stands up to the bold flavors of game meats while also enhancing milder proteins like turkey, chicken, and salmon. The blend is crafted with juniper, garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, smoked sea salt, orange, kosher salt, allspice, Turkish oregano, onion, savory, and citric acid. This concoction creates a piney citrus base with a savory complexity, ready to transform any meat dish. Notably, it includes a touch of sugar and salt, making it a ready-to-use rub that will caramelize as it cooks.

History

Rocky Mountain Rub is a testament to the rugged, hearty flavors inspired by the American West. The blend features toasted juniper berries, a berry that has been used by Native American tribes for both culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. Juniper berries, with their distinctive piney and citrus notes, were traditionally used to flavor wild game, making them a perfect match for modern game meats like elk and venison. This historical usage is echoed in the Rocky Mountain Rub, which pairs these ancient flavors with a contemporary twist for today's kitchen.

Across different cultures, juniper berries have been used variably. In Europe, they are famously used to flavor gin, providing the spirit its characteristic sharpness. Contrastingly, in American culinary traditions, juniper berries have been more commonly associated with meat preparations, particularly in game dishes. This cultural contrast highlights the versatility of juniper berries and their adaptation to local tastes and ingredients, a theme that Rocky Mountain Rub embraces with its blend of traditional and modern flavors.

Why We Love It

It smells of the forest and makes you want to cook in the American wilderness. Its piney, citrusy base, courtesy of the juniper berries, makes it a unique addition to our spice cabinet. Whether we're seasoning a hearty elk steak or adding a twist to a simple roasted chicken, this rub adds depth and excitement to our meals. It's particularly splendid during the colder months, bringing warmth and robust flavor to comfort foods.

The More You Know

Did you know that juniper berries aren't true berries? Botanically speaking, they are highly modified conifer cones, which explains their piney aroma. Next time you're seasoning with Rocky Mountain Rub, you're not just using a spice blend; you're sprinkling a bit of botanical wonder onto your dish!