A delicious seasoning for seafood, poultry, salads and meats.
Old Bay Seasoning History
Old Bay is a blend of 18 spices, with the main ingredients celery salt, paprika, red & black pepper, and mustard seed. It was invented by a German Jewish refugee, a spicemaker who specialized in making blends for sausages. He invented Old Bay in 1940 after immigrating to Maryland and it became a very popular spice in the Maryland and Chesapeake Bay area.
Brunn founded the Baltimore Spice Company and produced the “Delicious Brand Shrimp and Crab Seasoning” which was later renamed ‘Old Bay’ after a ship line of the Chesapeake Bay. McCormick obtained the rights to this seasoning in 1990.
Old Bay Seasoning Uses
If you are wondering what Old Bay Seasoning is used for, the answer is ‘on anything’.
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| Image Source: Wikipedia |
I was first introduced to Old Bay in the 1990s after moving to Coastal Georgia and discovering the iconic southern dish - the Low Country Boil. This southern treat consists of shrimp, corn-on-the-cob, potatoes and sausage all cooked together and seasoned with Old Bay Seasoning.
When Old Bay Seasoning first came out, in Maryland where it was invented, it was a popular addition to many shrimp and crab dishes.
More than 80 years later, it still has the same great taste and is tasty sprinkled over your favorite seafood dishes, plus poultry dishes, roasted potatoes, burgers, and even French fries.
How Much To Use
As with any spice addition, the amount used is according to individual taste. But for some examples, it is recommended you use approximately 2 tablespoons of Old Bay Seasoning for one pound of shrimp, and ½ cup for a dozen crabs. A typical Low Country Boil also calls for ½ cup of Old Bay. Check out the suggested recipes for steamed shrimp or crabs, or for crab cakes, printed on the can of Old Bay Seasoning, or find many delicious uses for Old Bay in online recipes and on the McCormick Old Bay Recipes site.
Summary
So, for your next seafood dish, or any dish, give Old Bay Seasoning a try and see if you agree that it is the perfect addition that brings a distinctly unique taste experience.
Old Bay Seasoning Related Reviews:
- Check out Dawn Rae’s recipe review of Drunken Mussels using Old Bay Seasoning.
- Old Bay is one of the seasonings suggested by Sam Monaco for his Air Fryer Tater Tots recipe and also for his Easy Air Fryer Corn on the Cob recipe.
*Old Bay Seasoning Review written by Wednesday Elf
We faithfully use Old Bay Seasoning on many dishes. Thanks for the shout-out to my posts and the history lesson on Old Bay. We always have Old Bay on hand and ready to use.
ReplyDeleteOld Bay is a very versatile spice to have on hand as it goes well on so many dishes. Glad you enjoy it too, Sam.
DeleteVery interesting hearing the history of the spice
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit to my review, Mary Beth.
DeleteOld Bay Seasoning is popular in many recipes, which is how I first heard about it. Thanks for sharing its interesting history, Ms. Elf!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Margaret.
DeleteI love Old Bay Seasoning. I grew up in Maryland, and it was a summertime staple. When I moved away, I was disappointed that Old Bay wasn't in the local grocery stores. But now it is! You can also buy Old Bay potato chips now too.
ReplyDeleteAh - a Maryland native would definitely be familiar with Old Bay Seasoning, Cheryl. I DID read that it is a spice now enhancing potato chips. Nice.
DeleteEven though I cannot eat seafood, most of my family does and I am certainly familiar with Old Bay Seasoning. There is even a can of it sitting in my pantry now. Apparently, it is the best since my inlaws, my brother & my sister all use it in their seafood meals. Now, with the Elf recommendation, it must truly be the best!
ReplyDeleteGlad your family enjoys Old Bay Seasoning, Mouse. You could try it on chicken as it goes well with that as well as seafood.
DeleteI'm going to have to try this seasoning, I think I've seen it on the shelf - I'll be looking next time I'm at the store, thanks for rec on this
ReplyDeleteI do believe Old Bay Seasoning is also popular in Canada, Barbara. Let me know what you think of it if you decide to try it. :)
DeleteSometimes you just have to look for the "new" old things that have stood the test of time and taste. I will put this spice on my radar and hopefully will find it without too much trouble. Thanks for putting this review out here. I love spices that go with lots of different dishes. So this is already a winner in my mind. Thanks Pat Austin!
ReplyDeleteSometimes the 'old' standard is still the best. Thanks for visiting my Old Bay spice seasoning review, Olivia.
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