Chili lime seasoning is a blend of ground red chilies, salt, and dehydrated lime juice. It has a bright red to orange color with salty, spicy, tangy, and citrusy flavor notes. It also provides a unique and bold flavor to dishes like beef, pork, chicken, seafood, ceviches, vegetables, empanadas, and tamales. Thus, it is popular among Mexican and Southern cuisine. Furthermore, it’s also a common addition to salad dressings, guacamoles, sauces, soups, stews, marinades, even popcorns, and chips.
In Texas, this seasoning is called Tajin. But, Tajin is actually a brand of chili lime seasoning. Perhaps, it is because they are the ones who introduced this seasoning. And although this manufacturer just started in 1993, it has already gained so much fame. Nevertheless, the only difference between Tajin sauce and chili lime seasoning is the addition of an anti-caking agent to their products.
Chili Lime Seasoning Trivia
- A trip to Mexico will prove just how famous chili lime seasoning is. You can see it on the sidewalks, parks, and food stands, wherein they sell not just the seasoning itself but also fresh fruits that come with a little packet of chili lime seasoning.
- Chili lime seasoning is a staple condiment in Tex-Mex and Mexican restaurants; it is commonly placed on tables along with salt and pepper.
- Chili lime seasoning amplifies the sweetness of any food.
- Chili lime seasoning has numerous health benefits. It is a good source of vitamin c and it boosts the immune system, enhances metabolism, reduces insulin levels, prevents stomach ulcers, stimulates blood circulation, aids in digestion, alleviates gas problems, stimulates appetite, soothes joint pain and stiffness, reduces inflammation, reduces cholesterol levels, and supports various organs like lungs, heart, stomach, kidney, spleen, liver, and pancreas.
Chili Lime Seasoning Buying Guide
Chili lime seasoning is relatively easy to find in your favorite grocery stores and online shops. The main downside of buying commercially produced ones is the purity of its ingredients, as most of them have added salt, spices and herbs, even stabilizers and other preservatives. Another disadvantage is that you wouldn’t know how old the chili peppers are. The older they are, the tamer the flavor it brings, making it quite inconvenient to keep adjusting your recipes. Nevertheless, here are some things to look out for when you opt to buy the store-bought ones:
- You can find the chili lime seasoning in the spice aisle section of the store.
- Check out the sodium content as commercially-produced chili lime seasoning is heavy on the salt. Better yet, opt for no-salt-added, reduced-sodium, or low-sodium, and just add salt as you normally flavor your dishes.
- Check out the ingredients list to see if there are other spices involved in the product. You may want to choose chili lime seasoning in its purest form.
Fortunately, when you buy at various farmers’ markets, you can ask the salesperson about the age and ingredients. That way, you’ll know right there and then how much heat your seasoning could provide. Most local food vendors even offer free samples for you to try different blends that best suits your preference.
Chili Lime Seasoning Production & Farming in Texas
Chili plants are one of the few crops that thrive in Texas’ hot summer months. They are predominantly grown in South and Central Texas, and the planting season is from mid-March to mid-July since the soil is at least 70ºF during this period. On another note, Texas is also home to healthy lime trees and they’re mostly grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley region of South Texas. Hence, it is easy to acquire or produce chili lime seasoning in the state.
Pesticides, additives, and chemicals:
Although store-bought chili lime seasoning is more convenient than making one at home, it will never be our best choice. Not only that these commercially-produced products are usually heavy on salt and tend to provide less heat, but they also most likely contain additives and chemicals for a lower cost yet fast-producing and shelf-stable products. Here are some additives that we found on best-selling chili lime seasoning brands:
- Sodium – Although sodium is a natural food that balances our body fluids, it can cause harm when consumed past its RDA.
- Dextrose and Maltodextrin – It is a type of sugar that acts as an artificial sweetener, food neutralizer, and a preservative. Too much consumption of this ingredient can lead to body fluid build-up and high blood sugar.
- Natural and artificial flavorings – These are additives that are used to intensify the flavors of the product. For chili lime seasoning, some natural flavorings include other spices and herbs like cayenne pepper, parsley, paprika, cumin, coriander powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Tricalcium Phosphate – This anti-caking agent and chemical compound is sometimes abbreviated as TCP. It is a calcium salt of phosphoric acid that is used to fortify the food with calcium. Although it is safe and claimed to be promising when it comes to bone and mineral regeneration, this product, when taken in high amounts, can lead to hypercalcemia, kidney stones, and cardiovascular problems.
Packaging:
Chili lime seasoning is packaged in a variety of ways. It can come in pet bottles, jars, tubs, glass and plastic containers, pouches, and single-use packets.
Enjoying Chili Lime Seasoning
Chili lime seasoning is the condiment of choice of those who want a fresh hint of citrus and spice. It is a staple condiment among Tex-Mex recipes from traditionally flavoring proteins like chicken, beef, and seafood to dips, marinades, sauces, and dry-rubs. Another popular yet non-traditional way of eating chili lime seasoning is to sprinkle it over fresh fruits, like watermelon, pineapple, mangoes, and melon, potato chips, and popcorns.
Storage:
Chili lime seasoning is best kept in a sealed and air-tight container stored in a cool and dry area far from humid and hot zones like stoves, grills, and ovens to prolong their shelf life. You may opt to use a funnel when transferring the seasoning into jars to prevent it from spilling. Although chili lime seasoning usually doesn’t have an expiration date, its flavor weakens over time. Thus, your seasoning is at its best 3 months after the production date.
Make your own Chili Lime Seasoning:
Chili lime seasoning is relatively easy to make at home, especially if you just harvested and dried your chilis. Below is a quick recipe that you can make ahead of time for more convenience. We highly suggest you to multiply this recipe according to your needs. Chili lime seasoning practically lasts forever when stored properly. It is something that you can enjoy anytime for a long time. Enjoy!
Yield: 16 tablespoons
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chili powder (Chile guajillo, Chile de Arbol, chile ancho, or chile California works best, but you can use different chilies as well)
- 4 tsp salt (Kosher salt and Himalayan salt works best, but you can use other table salts as well)
- 4 tsp powdered citric acid (dehydrated lime juice is the best choice, but you can also substitute with other acid powders like lemons)
- 4 tsp sugar (optional)
Method:
- Dehydrate and pulverize your chilis and citrus if you haven’t. Mix all ingredients and transfer into an airtight container.
