In some cuisines, the word adobo refers to a blend of spices while in others, it is referencing a method of cooking that utilizes an acidic marinade. Adobo originated in Iberia, Spain and was then popularized in Portugal, the Caribbean, Latin American countries, and the Philippines. This savory blend is a key ingredient in Spanish Caribbean and Latin American kitchens. Traditionally, this is a blend used on chicken and fish.

The Story Behind Our Organic Adobo Lime Rub 

Don't confuse this blend with the national dish of the Philippines! Even though they have the same name, the Filipino adobo is a meal and this Adobo Lime Seasoning is a blend of spices. The name of the Filipino dish comes from the Spanish colonizers who noticed the similarities between how the Filipino people and they themselves prepared and cooked meat with a marinade. Over time, a shift in meaning took place and it went from a term used to describe marinating techniques to a word meaning a blend of spices and other ingredients used in the marinating process. Adobo seasoning in general has Spanish origins, and the name comes from the Spanish language word "adobar" which means "to marinade." This word might be familiar to you, as you may have an international section in your grocery store where you have seen it before. Maybe you already use some version of it in your food!

This Organic Adobo Lime seasoning has roots in Spanish cuisine but is made with distinctly Puerto Rican influences. Puerto Ricans add seasoning to their meat and seafood generously as a dry rub, not a marinade, before grilling or frying. The lime in the blend is the distinctly Puerto Rican ingredient as it is popular in this cuisine. Adobo Seasoning without the lime is a more common ingredient in Mexican and Spanish cuisines.

This blend was an easy addition to our selection of organic blends. The incredible flavor of the blend is just as interesting as the rich history. This blend has helped build a link between several cuisines, from Mexican to Filipino.

What's in it?

Sea Salt, Organic Cumin, Organic Fennel, Organic California Garlic, Organic Lime Juice Powder(Organic Tapioca Maltodextrin, Organic Lime Juice Concentrate, and Organic Lime Oil), Organic Black Pepper, Organic Coriander, Organic Oregano, Organic Thyme, and Organic Rosemary.

Flavor Profile

Organic Adobo Lime Seasoning is earthy, savory, and has garlicky and anise-like undertones. It is very aromatic, but none of the spices dominate over the others. Both the flavors and the scent of this blend are quite well-balanced.

Where to Use

Adobo Lime Rub is excellent on chicken, lighter colored fish like tilapia and salmon, or steamed and roasted vegetables like carrots or potatoes. It is also wonderful with roast pork dishes.

When using it as a rub, shake liberally onto the meat and pat it in, evenly and across all parts of the meat. One tablespoon for every pound of meat is a good amount for some truly phenomenal flavor. Use about half a tablespoon for a fish rub. Add more if you find that it isn't seasoned enough to your liking.

Letting the seasoning sit on the desired meat or fish for at least a half hour before cooking will help the flavors really get in there. For chicken, a solid two to four hours is optimal. When cooking with fish, don't let it sit for more than an hour. Apply the seasoning as a dry rub or mix it with some olive oil to make a nice spread. A squeeze of lime juice into the seasoning blend before application to whatever it is you are marinating will help bring out the brightness of the lime flavor.

If you want to use your Organic Adobo Lime rub in a simple, flavorful recipe then fried plantains is a great option for you. Simply peel a few green plantains, cut them into coins and fry them up in some high-quality olive oil, flipping frequently. Once they have turned a golden to golden brown color, remove them from the oil and set them on a plate covered with a paper towel to absorb some of the oil. While the coins are still hot, add a dash of this seasoning blend. It will stick to whatever oil is leftover on the plantains.

Helpful Hints

You can quickly turn this blend from a dry spice rub into a marinade with the help of rehydrated minced garlic, a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and something acidic. Lime juice or orange juice are perfect candidates for the acidic aspect of the recipe. Simply combine the ingredients until they are as thick or runny as desired. Taste often to create your perfectly flavored marinade.

Read More

All About Spices
How to Build Flavors
The Ultimate Guide to Chicken Spices, Herbs, and Seasonings
Adobo Seasoning and the Art of Puerto Rican Dry Marinade