Are you a fan of Greek cuisine? Do you love adding a touch of flavor to your meals? If so, you may have heard of Cavender’s Greek seasoning.
This unique blend of herbs and spices has been a staple in kitchens for decades, adding a distinctive taste to a variety of dishes. But what exactly is in this seasoning?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients that make up Cavender’s Greek seasoning and explore how it can be used to enhance your cooking.
So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets behind this beloved seasoning!
What Is In Cavender’s Greek Seasoning?
Cavender’s Greek seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that have been carefully selected to create a unique and flavorful taste. The ingredients include salt, black pepper, corn starch, garlic, oregano, flavor base seasoning (hydrolyzed corn soy protein, sugar, onion powder, spice extracts), parsley, and five other spices.
One of the key ingredients in Cavender’s Greek seasoning is oregano. This herb is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and is known for its distinct aroma and flavor. It adds a savory and slightly bitter taste to the seasoning.
Another important ingredient is garlic. This pungent bulb is used in many different cuisines around the world and adds a strong, savory flavor to the seasoning.
The flavor base seasoning in Cavender’s Greek seasoning is made up of hydrolyzed corn soy protein, sugar, onion powder, and spice extracts. This combination of ingredients helps to enhance the overall flavor of the seasoning and gives it a unique taste.
The History Of Cavender’s Greek Seasoning
Cavender’s All-Purpose Greek Seasoning has a rich history that dates back to the late 1960s. The seasoning was created by Lester “Spike” Cavender and his son Ronald Stephen Cavender in Harrison, Arkansas. The recipe for the seasoning was adapted from a Greek friend of Spike’s who was a chef. For many years, the seasoning was only shared with friends and family until they began selling it in 1969.
Spike’s grandchildren have fond memories of the seasoning playing a part in their childhood. Granddaddy Spike would season their steak dinners and leave the marinating platter sitting on the kitchen counter all afternoon. As they ran in and out of the kitchen door while playing outside, they would use their fingertip to swipe the edge of the platter, sometimes even the meat itself, then lick their fingers to taste the awesome spice blend that he had used.
When Spike decided to market the seasoning, he and his son blended a batch and took it to a few grocery stores in Harrison. The seasoning sold fast, and Spike got to work. His family helped him blend the seasoning on the weekends, and he would deliver orders each week. Since those early days, the company opened its own production facility and has become a hallmark of the Harrison community.
Today, S-C Seasoning Company is still family-owned and operated by Spike’s granddaughters Lisa Price and Cara Wohlgemuth. The business is now in its third generation of family ownership and has become a piece of Arkansas history. They have between nine and 11 employees, depending on the time of year, and some have been with them for as long as 30 years. Despite offers to sell the company over the years, they have always turned them down. They like being a small, family-owned business that produces an excellent product that is unique in the market.
The Ingredients In Cavender’s Greek Seasoning
Cavender’s Greek seasoning is a versatile blend of herbs and spices that can be used to enhance the flavor of a wide range of dishes. The seasoning contains potassium chloride, black pepper, corn starch, oregano, parsley, and five other spices.
Potassium chloride is a mineral that is often used as a salt substitute. It provides a salty taste to the seasoning without the negative health effects of excess sodium.
Black pepper is a common spice that adds a distinct heat and flavor to the seasoning. It is also known for its antioxidant properties.
Corn starch is used as a thickening agent in the seasoning, helping to create a smooth and consistent texture.
Parsley is a mild herb that adds a fresh, slightly sweet flavor to the seasoning. It also contains vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for overall health.
In addition to these ingredients, Cavender’s Greek seasoning also contains hydrolyzed corn soy protein, sugar, onion powder, and spice extracts. These components work together to create a complex and delicious flavor profile.
How To Use Cavender’s Greek Seasoning In Your Cooking
Cavender’s Greek seasoning is a versatile spice blend that can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavor and depth. Here are some ideas for incorporating it into your cooking:
1. Grilled meats: Cavender’s Greek seasoning is perfect for adding flavor to grilled meats like steak, chicken, and lamb. Simply sprinkle the seasoning on both sides of the meat before grilling for a delicious and flavorful result.
2. Roasted vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and zucchini with a little olive oil and Cavender’s Greek seasoning before roasting in the oven. The seasoning will add a savory and slightly tangy flavor to the vegetables.
3. Soups and stews: Add a tablespoon or two of Cavender’s Greek seasoning to your favorite soups and stews for an extra boost of flavor. It works particularly well in tomato-based soups like minestrone or vegetable soup.
4. Salad dressings: Mix Cavender’s Greek seasoning with olive oil and vinegar for a quick and easy salad dressing. The seasoning adds a tangy and savory flavor to the dressing that pairs well with a variety of greens.
5. Marinades: Use Cavender’s Greek seasoning as part of a marinade for meats like chicken, pork, or beef. Mix the seasoning with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for a delicious marinade that will infuse the meat with flavor.
Alternatives To Cavender’s Greek Seasoning
If you find yourself without Cavender’s Greek seasoning, there are several alternatives that you can use to achieve a similar flavor profile. One option is to create your own blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in equal parts. This combination will provide a similar savory taste with a hint of sweetness.
Another substitute for Greek seasoning is Za’atar, which is a Middle Eastern herb and spice blend. While it may not be an exact match for Cavender’s Greek seasoning, it contains many of the same herbs and spices such as oregano, thyme, and marjoram. Za’atar also adds sumac and sesame seeds to the mix, which can provide a unique flavor profile.
Italian seasoning is another great alternative to Cavender’s Greek seasoning. This blend typically includes oregano, basil, and thyme, which are all found in Greek seasoning as well. Italian seasoning is already pre-mixed, so there’s no need to worry about measuring out individual ingredients.
While Mediterranean seasoning can be used interchangeably with Greek seasoning, it is important to note that they are not identical. Mediterranean blends often include cardamom and cloves, which are not found in Greek blends. However, if you’re in a pinch and don’t have access to Cavender’s Greek seasoning or any of the alternatives listed above, Mediterranean seasoning can still provide a similar flavor profile.
Health Benefits Of Using Cavender’s Greek Seasoning In Your Meals
Aside from its delicious taste, Cavender’s Greek seasoning also offers several health benefits. For instance, oregano, one of the main ingredients in the seasoning, is rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. It also contains vitamin K, an important nutrient for blood clotting, as well as some B vitamins and vitamin A.
Garlic is another ingredient that offers health benefits. It has been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of certain diseases.
The spices and herbs in Cavender’s Greek seasoning also contain antioxidants that can help to protect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Cinnamon, for example, has been found to have greater antioxidant activity than other spices. Mint and oregano also contain high levels of antioxidants.
Additionally, the fiber found in many of the ingredients in Cavender’s Greek seasoning can help to improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. Cinnamon, in particular, has been shown to reduce insulin resistance in those with type 2 diabetes.
