Pastrami Rub

Description Pastrami rub is a flavorful blend of spices that is used to season pastrami, a type of smoked meat. This magical concoction of spices is typically a deep, rich brown color, reflecting the myriad of ingredients it contains. The texture is coarse and gritty, encouraging a robust and hearty crust on the meat it adorns. Its flavor profile is a complex symphony of tastes, with the smoky sweetness of brown sugar, the warmth of black pepper and coriander, the heat of mustard seeds, and the subtle tang of garlic and onion. What sets pastrami rub apart from other meat rubs is its distinctive peppery and coriander-forward flavor, which gives pastrami its signature taste.

Primary Uses Pastrami rub is primarily used in the preparation of pastrami, a delicacy that originated in Romania. The rub is generously applied to a brined piece of beef, usually brisket, which is then smoked and steamed to perfection. Pastrami rub is a key component in Jewish and American cuisines, especially in the famous New York-style pastrami sandwich. Beyond the culinary world, the rub has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of spices like garlic and black pepper.

History The history of pastrami rub is intertwined with the history of pastrami itself. It traces its roots back to Romania, where it was used to preserve meat before the advent of refrigeration. The rub was a way to add flavor to the preserved meat, and it quickly became a staple in Romanian cuisine. As immigrants brought pastrami to the United States, the rub evolved, incorporating ingredients readily available in the New World. Over time, the use of pastrami rub has expanded, with chefs using it to season other meats and even vegetables. A fun folklore associated with pastrami rub is the belief that the perfect blend can only be achieved under a full moon!

Nutritional Information While the nutritional value of pastrami rub can vary depending on the specific blend of spices used, it generally offers several health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants due to ingredients like black pepper and coriander, and it contains anti-inflammatory compounds from garlic. However, it's essential to consume pastrami rub in moderation due to its high sodium content, which can contribute to high blood pressure if overconsumed. Compared to other meat rubs, pastrami rub usually contains less sugar, making it a slightly healthier option.