Let's Talk BBQ

Tips, Tricks & Just Good Advice! => Tips, Tricks & Things of Interest => Food Related Tips => Topic started by: bamabob on August 08, 2020, 10:26:46 AM

Title: Need tip on preventing "caking" of rubs & spices
Post by: bamabob on August 08, 2020, 10:26:46 AM
Often when making my own rubs the mixture will cake over time here in the humid south.  I seem to recall reading about something that can be added that will prevent that.  I like to buy a large jar of granulated garlic which we use a lot of and before it's gone it will cake.

Any tips on preventing this?
Title: Re: Need tip on preventing "caking" of rubs & spices
Post by: Lines on August 08, 2020, 03:11:26 PM
I'll have to look at some of the rub labels in our cabinet. I know I've seen it on there somewhere.
Title: Re: Need tip on preventing "caking" of rubs & spices
Post by: Ka Honu on August 08, 2020, 04:22:45 PM
If you don't want to add dried beans or rice to absorb the moisture, you can always try those dessicant packets like come in some meds. I think they're usually silica gel - make sure you get food-safe ones.
Title: Re: Need tip on preventing "caking" of rubs & spices
Post by: bamabob on August 09, 2020, 10:29:47 AM
I've tried the dried beans, they seem to work in the immediate vincinity of the bean.  I was thinking there was a powder that is used to add to the mixture.
Lines post had me looking at spices and I did see where some contain silicon dioxide to prevent caking.  I think that is what I had read about on another forum.  An Amazon search didn't help much but it did list food grade silica gel packets which I think I will try.

Also came across this which is interesting:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/lists-permitted/1-anticaking-agents.html
Title: Re: Need tip on preventing "caking" of rubs & spices
Post by: Pam Gould on August 09, 2020, 02:10:38 PM
And if they get that way..chunk them out of their container and run them thru a spice grinder then put a food grade packet in them..don't throw them away. I dothis with the items I buy inthe large containers. .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ
Title: Re: Need tip on preventing "caking" of rubs & spices
Post by: LostArrow on August 09, 2020, 02:41:28 PM
Options
Leave spices in fridge or freezer
Put a portion of spice in small container & rest in freezer ( keeps them fresh also
Title: Re: Need tip on preventing "caking" of rubs & spices
Post by: Lines on August 09, 2020, 02:43:00 PM
Found this interesting article:
https://foodandnutrition.org/july-august-2017/humectants-and-anticaking-agents/

I add a marble to the bottles of spices, so shaking it will break it up better. Have also put small (marble size) river rocks in some bottles.