DIY Spice Rub Blends

With so many herbs and spices (and even fruit peels) to lend flavor variety to grilled meats, fish and vegetables (and even sliced fruits), there’s no reason to suffer bland BBQ. Whether your taste runs to spicy, sweet or savory, there’s a rub here for you.

Savory Seasoning Blend

This blend is perfect with chicken. If using pieces with skin, work some of the spice mixture under the skin to get more flavor into the meat.

2 teaspoons organic dried sage

1 teaspoon organic garlic granules

1 teaspoon organic dried thyme

1 teaspoon organic cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon organic dried minced onion

1 teaspoon organic paprika

1 teaspoon freshly ground coarse black pepper

Sweet & Spicy Steak Rub

This tantalizing blend features the flavors of the Caribbean: cumin, allspice, cinnamon and – surprise! – roasted cacao (cocoa) powder. To encrust steaks, first brush on a little melted butter or a bit of quality olive oil then dredge in the rub mixture to coat.

1 tablespoon organic roasted cacao powder

4 teaspoons organic ground cumin

2 teaspoons organic ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons organic ground allspice

1 teaspoon freshly ground coarse black pepper

1 teaspoon sea salt

Smoky BBQ Rub

Plenty of smoky, spicy, sweet flavor in this blend!

5 tablespoons organic smoked paprika

1 ½ tablespoons organic ground cumin

1 heaping tablespoon organic brown sugar

1 tablespoon organic chili powder