Tajin seasoning, or simply Tajin, is what most people call the seasoning blend named Tajin Clasico. The Tajin brand name has come to refer to the seasoning itself. The Tajin name was inspired by the El Tajin archaeological site in Veracruz, once one of the largest Mesoamerican cities.
Table of Contents
- Tajin Seasoning flavor profile
- Health benefits of Tajin Seasoning
- Health concerns
- Common uses
- Must-read related posts
Horacio Fernandez founded the Tajin company — Empresas Tajin — and the seasoning blend in 1985. The name comes from Fernandez learning — while on a trip to El Tajin — that the Uto-Aztecan name for chilis was aji. According to Fernandez, the recipe for Tajin seasoning was based on a sauce his grandmother made. He went store to store in Mexico, selling his spice blend. Tajin Clasico became popular in Mexico and was being sold in the US by 1993. At the time, it was the definitive Mexican chili lime seasoning.
Tajin seasoning has become extremely popular in the United States as people become more familiar with Mexican food. According to the Jalisco-based company, about 40 percent of its product is sold in the United States. Tajin is sold in over 30 countries, including Africa and Asia.
Tajin Seasoning flavor profile
The peppers in Tajin seasoning are chiles de arbol, guajillo, and pasilla. Dried lime and sea salt are added to produce a distinctive tangy flavor. Despite containing multiple peppers, Tajin seasoning is mild, with citrus at the forefront and a subtle chili flavor in the background. The original Tajin seasoning is delicate enough to accent your food without overpowering it the way some hot sauces might. There is a spicier version of the seasoning that features habaneros as well as a low-sodium version.
Health benefits of Tajin Seasoning
Tajin doesn’t contain enough of any significant nutrients to be considered a good source. It does have a tiny amount of vitamin C. Despite lacking vitamins and minerals, Tajin seasoning can benefit health by making healthy foods more flavorful. You can sprinkle Tajin seasoning on fresh fruit and vegetables for improved flavor without increasing the calorie count. According to the label, a 1/4 teaspoon serving of Tajin seasoning only has two calories.
Health concerns
The regular version of Tajin seasoning is high in sodium, and too much sodium in the diet can cause or exacerbate high blood pressure. If your blood pressure gets too high, you will be at a greater risk of suffering strokes and heart attacks. The low-sodium version of the blend should lower the high blood pressure risk.
Common uses
In Mexico, one of the popular ways to use Tajin seasoning is on fresh fruit — it gets sprinkled onto many kinds of fruit, including mangoes and watermelon. Tajin seasoning is also used in cocktails; many consider it essential for micheladas, a Mexican drink consisting of beer and tomato juice. Tajin seasoning works well in bloody Marys and the rim salt for margaritas. It has been added to hot chocolate and popsicles.
Tajin seasoning is an excellent addition to a dry rub or marinade, especially for chicken or fish. Use it to flavor French fries, popcorn, or roasted corn on the cob. If you want to add flavor to steamed or roasted vegetables without fat, Tajin seasoning is a good option. In addition to cooking with it, you can sprinkle Tajin seasoning onto your food at the table as a condiment.
Must-read related posts
- The Master List of Herbs And Spices: Master your spice rack. Search spices, herbs, and seasoning by name and flavor.
- What Are Good Mexican Spices For Chicken? Want to bring Mexican flare to a dish? You’ll want to know these options.
- Do Spices Go Bad? Learn all about spices and their shelf lives.