Old Bay is a spice mix that has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with its origins traced back to Maryland. Grouped under the category of seasoning blends, there are a variety of Old Bay-flavoured snacks and merchandise available in the market.
The history of the Old Bay seasoning is fairly recent when considering the fact that some spice blends, like za’atar, have been around for many centuries. The invention of this popular seasoning dates back to the mid-twentieth century and is credited to a German immigrant who settled in Baltimore.
Gustav Brunn, the creator of the Old Bay seasoning, had fled Nazi Germany with his family and sought refuge in the United States. With his prior experience in selling wholesale spices, Brunn was able to re-establish his profession in Baltimore. His business grew with the demand for a unique blend of spices for steaming crabs from fishmongers. The efforts paid off, as his distinctive spice blend went on to become a household name not only in Maryland but also across various parts of the United States.
Brunn’s family-owned Baltimore Spice Company eventually got acquired by McCormick who continues to produce the Old Bay seasoning to this day.
One may wonder why there’s a need to make homemade Old Bay seasoning. It’s not always about necessity, sometimes it’s about enjoyment simply because it’s a fun process. Also, having control over the ingredients would be another incentive. If you want the seasoning to be spicier, just add more cayenne; and if you’re following a low-sodium diet, simply decrease the salt.
The recipe for a ‘Copycat Old Bay’ seasoning shared by Simply Recipes boasts a similar taste to the store-bought version, according to recipe developer Nicole Hopper. The unique blend comprises warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, among other ingredients, and it recreates the Old Bay experience with a freshness that surpasses its commercially-available counterpart.
Two ways to enjoy the Old Bay seasoning are steamed crab and crab cakes. These dishes capture the essence of the spice mix and give it the spotlight it deserves. The Old Bay spice blend enhances the flavor of these seemingly bland dishes, turning them into culinary delights.
