Spotlight Spice: Sonoma Seasoning Blend

Sonoma…synonymous with barbecue, right?  Okay, okay…barbecue probably wasn’t the first thing that came to mind. Northern California’s Sonoma County is part of a regional climate perfect for winemaking. The county alone has more than 300 wineries! But barbecue has been a staple in Californian cuisine since at least the mid-1800s, influenced by flavors from Mexico and the Southwestern United States.

The region’s bright barbecue flavors feature regionally abundant ingredients and were the inspiration for our Sonoma Seasoning Blend.  You’ll find notes of citrus and warm, tomatoey (but not spicy) chiles alongside typical barbecue blend flavors like garlic, pepper, onion, and paprika.

To use the blend as a rub, we recommend brushing your protein with an unflavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil, then coating liberally with the Sonoma Seasoning Blend. Try it on pork, chicken, and beef. This blend’s bright flavors and touch of citrus make it a great Salmon seasoning, too. Try brushing the fish with a bit of our Blood Orange Fused Olive Oil and a healthy sprinkle of the blend before grilling.

Love your veggies? Toss sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions with a little oil and some Sonoma Seasoning Blend, then roast on a baking sheet for a taste of bright California sunshine, any time of year.

Find the blend in the shop or online store and give it a shot! Let us know what you think in the comments below.