What is in Cavender's Greek Seasoning?

Cavender's Greek Seasoning is a versatile and popular all-purpose blend that aims to infuse a savory and aromatic flavor into a variety of dishes. The seasoning is typically made up of a combination of common and aromatic spices, herbs, and other flavoring agents. However, the specific proportions and exact ingredients can vary, and it's important to check the packaging for the most accurate ingredient list.

Key Ingredients of Cavender's Greek Seasoning

The primary ingredients of Cavender's Greek Seasoning include:

Salt: Used as a base and to enhance flavors. Black Pepper: Adds a pungent and aromatic note. Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor and adds depth. Onion Powder: Adds a mild sweet and savory note. Oregano: A staple Mediterranean herb that provides a distinct aroma and flavor. Thyme: Adds a hearty and earthy aroma and flavor. Basil: Offers a fragrant and sweet note. Parsley: Adds freshness and a slight peppery taste. Sage: Contributes a woody and slightly bitter flavor.

Beyond the Basics

While the standard blend of Cavender's Greek Seasoning is quite popular, the ingredient list provided on the label can be quite revealing. After a careful examination, the label lists:

Salt Black Pepper Corn Starch (likely an anti-caking agent) Garlic Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) for flavor-enhancement Flavor Base Seasoning Hydrolyzed Corn Soy Protein (likely another flavor enhancer) Sugar Onion Powder Spice Extractives Parsley And five other unspecified spices

While salt, black pepper, corn starch, garlic, MSG, sugar, onion powder, and parsley are relatively common and identifiable, the other ingredients are less so. The "flavor base seasoning" and "spice extractives" are proprietary ingredients that are often used in commercial blends for flavor enhancement. The "five other spices" could include a variety of herbs and spices that contribute to the overall complexity of the seasoning but are not explicitly named.

Decoding the Ingredients

Breaking down the ingredients, it's likely that the largest portion of the blend is salt and possibly black pepper. These two ingredients form the backbone of the seasoning and provide a solid base flavor. Corn starch and MSG are likely used to maintain the consistency of the blend and enhance the overall flavor. The garlic and onion powder add depth and a mild sweetness. The parsley and other unspecified ingredients contribute to the herbaceous and aromatic profile.

Why Use Cavender's Greek Seasoning?

Although you can recreate a similar blend with common ingredients, the advantage of Cavender's Greek Seasoning is its convenience. It allows for a quick and easy way to add authentic Mediterranean flavors to your dishes. Whether you're grilling chicken, sautéing vegetables, or marinating meat, this seasoning can be a valuable addition to your cooking repertoire.

Conclusion

For those who appreciate the convenience and flavor of Cavender's Greek Seasoning, understanding the ingredients can help in making an informed decision. While some of the proprietary ingredients may be a bit mysterious, the combination of salt, black pepper, and a mix of aromatic herbs and spices makes it a versatile seasoning blend. If you find the label ingredients unsatisfactory, you might want to consider creating your own blend using the key ingredients mentioned above.

Related Readings

How to Make Greek-Style Seasoning at Home Exploring Mediterranean Seasonings and Their Benefits Top Uses for Greek Cooking Seasoning