 Tajín seasoning in a bowl | |
| Type | Garnish, condiment, or ingredient |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Guadalajara, Mexico |
| Main ingredients | Chili, lime, salt |
Tajín Clásico, often referred to as simplyTajín (Spanish pronunciation:[taˈxin]), is a Mexican spice mix consisting predominantly of lime,chili peppers andsalt. It is used in a variety of preparations.
The combination of chili and lime is a classic one in traditionalMexican cuisine and is commonly used on fruits and vegetables.[1]
Tajín Clásico was created in 1985 by Horacio Fernández, who wanted to recreate in powdered form the flavors of a sauce made by his grandmother.[2] Fernández named the product after the pre-Columbian archaeological site ofEl Tajín in the eastern Mexican state ofVeracruz, which he visited and was impressed by, after realizing thatají, meaning chili, shares three of the same letters.[3] Tajín Clásico entered the U.S. market in 1993, building a plant in Houston; Tajín became a commonly used condiment in Texas.[2][1] In the 2000s, the brand expanded internationally.[2]
Tajín Clásico seasoning (often referred to as simply Tajín), the company's most popular product, is aseasoning powder consisting of groundchiles de árbol,guajillo chili,pasilla chili,sea salt and dehydratedlime.[4][5]
It is a grainy reddish powder with flavors that are sweet, salty, and sour, with a mild heat from the chilis.[6][5][7] The flavor of the lime is at the forefront and the flavor of the chilis is subtle.[7] It imparts a reddish color to dishes.[5] When used as a garnish or condiment, the graininess can also add texture to dishes.[8]
Tajín is used in a variety of preparations. It is used as agarnish, acondiment and aningredient.[4][9][8] It is used in both sweet and savory dishes.[10]
The blend is commonly used with fruit, but is also used with vegetables, dips, sauces, desserts, in cocktails such asmicheladas, or to rim amargarita.[4][11][9][2][5] It can also be used as a rub for meats, poultry, or fish.[6] It can be used as a replacement for salt in omelets or on popcorn.[5]
Tasting Table called Tajín Clasico a "classic Mexican spice blend".[6]Parade called it a "cult favorite".[12] According to Mexican food historianGustavo Arellano, "Tajín is a lifestyle."[5]
The manufacturer, Empresas Tajín, was founded inGuadalajara, Mexico, in 1985 by Horacio Fernández, who originally sold the blend store-to-store; the company is located inZapopan,Jalisco, Mexico.[13][7] Several other manufacturers, includingTrader Joe's, Trechas, andLawry's, make competitor products.[12][14]
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Chamoy is a sauce made from fermented fruit and chiles.Sal de gusano is a condiment made with dried worms and chilis. andSal de chapulin is made with dried grasshoppers and ground chiles.Mexican cuisine also includes other flavored salts and multiple examples of candies which are sweet and hot or tart, such asBrinquitos.[5]
Media related toTajín (seasoning) at Wikimedia Commons
