Mojo originated in the Canary Islands and is actual a spice blend created by combining several different spices to create a unique flavor.
Over time, Canary Island mojo has been adopted by many other cultures, each varying the mixture of spices it contains their own regional flavor influences.
Mojo Seasoning Flavor Profile
Most commonly, Canary Island mojo is a sauce, with several different varieties characteristic of this region.
Cuban cuisine has made mojo their own more than any other region or type of ethnic food. Dry mojo seasoning like what you would choose as an addition to your spice rack will almost certainly be a Cuban mojo mixture.
Most dry mojo seasonings contain a combination of ingredients that include cumin, garlic, black pepper, onion, lime and orange. Together, you get a taste that is slightly peppery, a bit tangy, somewhat spicy yet sweet and citrusy with a bite. To put it as simply as possible, mojo seasoning is a perfect blend of spices that—combined—are like nothing else you’ve tasted!
Health Benefits of Mojo Seasoning
The health benefits that come along with mojo seasoning vary slightly depending upon the exact ingredients that are used to create the blend.
We recommend checking out our article on cumin to read about the many health benefits of this particular spice.
Other ingredients in dry mojo seasoning add even more health benefits, some of which include:
- Preventing heart disease
- Reducing plaque buildup in the arteries
- Reducing cholesterol
- Lowering blood pressure
- Boosting the immune system
- Helping to protect against viral infections
- Due to the garlic content in mojo seasoning, it may even offer some measure of protection against cancer!
Common Uses of Mojo Seasoning
In Cuban cuisine, mojo seasoning is a key component of sofrito, which is the base of many traditional dishes. In dry powdered form, mojo can be used to make a wide variety of sauces and marinades.
Mojo seasoning can also be used as a steak rub or to season grilled chicken, fried green plantains, boiled yucca or grilled seafood.
In the Deep South region of the United states (particularly in Texas, Florida and Louisiana), locals have created their own unique type of mojo that might include such ingredients as tomato or avocado. In this region, its commonly used to create spicy, tangy barbecue sauces with a hint of sweetness.
Mojo seasoning has so many variations that it’s a perfect spice to add to your rack and then experiment by adding spices that appeal to you, thus taking a cue from every other culture that has made this spice their own. This is actually a way of bringing mojo seasoning back to its Canary Islands roots, where every family had their own unique recipe for this spice blend!