5 tips you need to know when you are flavoring your food with poultry seasoning

Poultry seasoning may just be one of the most versatile spices you could ever have in your spice rack, and maybe one of the most misunderstood. It's the name that does it, really, and leads to so much confusion. But what's in a name really? This is one spice that goes so much further than what its name implies.

Don't believe us? Just check out the tips below for all the different ways you can use this handy spice, so that you too can start understanding it better. You may just find yourself using it even more than you already do, or even making your very own.

1. Poultry seasoning is a spice blend
Poultry seasoning isn't just one specific spice. If it were that would likely mean that it came from poultry and well, that's just not something we want to think about. Instead, it's a blend of spices that all come together to make up that savory and comforting taste that we all know to be poultry seasoning. That blend is made up of thyme, sage, marjoram, rosemary, black pepper, and nutmeg. Sometimes it even contains cloves, celery seed, or celery salt.

2. You should taste before using
Because there are so many different spices used in so many different spice blends, poultry seasoning is one of those things that you never really know what you're getting before you try it. And that's why it's important that you should try it before sprinkling it on any dish you prepare. For instance, many poultry seasoning blends don't come with salt already in them. And if you've used a brand in the past that did contain salt, you may not know to add it and be disappointed with a bland dish once you're done. Tasting is a huge part of cooking, and it even extends to the poultry seasoning you're using.

3. It's vegetarian
Many vegetarians and vegans tend to shy away from using poultry seasoning because they think it contains poultry. Again, it's that name that throws everything off. But as stated above, it's really just a blend of different spices, meaning it's completely vegetarian and vegan. But because it has that taste that's so reminiscent of poultry, it's this vegetarianism that makes it perfect for flavoring gravies and stuffing when you may not want the meat, but you do want the taste of it.

4. It's gluten free
Or really, they should be. Many people are under the misconception that all spices are gluten free because well, theoretically, they don't naturally contain any gluten. But that's not actually true. Due to cross-contamination, sometimes gluten does find its way into spices and that can cause some people to consume it and be left wondering why they have a reaction.

Poultry seasoning, unfortunately, can also contain gluten, but many brands don't. Simply Organic and McCormick are two of these, but most other brands will also be gluten-free. If you're not sure and really need to be sure, look for one that has gluten-free indicated right on the label.

5. Make your own
Want to really make sure that the poultry seasoning you're using is gluten-free, vegan, low sodium, or whatever else you want it to be? You can, just by making your own! Simply combine: 2 teaspoons ground sage, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground thyme, 1 teaspoon marjoram, 3/4 teaspoon ground rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to an airtight container and store with the rest of your spices.