Today is my first GFGlobetrotter GPS, aka Global Product Spotlight. It is through these posts I want to start exploring international gluten-free products I find here in New York City and during my travels. This will not be your average gluten-free product review. I want the most unusual and unknown products out there! I plan on contacting all manufacturers directly and getting as much information as possible about these products. I also want to feature the country the product is from and how to use the product or eat the food. Please let me know if there are any products you want me to research.
Product: Tajín
Country of Origin: Mexico
Usage: seasoning for fruits, veggies, etc.
TAJÍN is one of those products I see everywhere in my neighborhood but had no real clue what it is or how to use it. I noticed many of the Latin American vendors around NYC were sprinkling this red stuff on fruit, usually mangoes, and selling it everywhere. Whatever it was, it was popular! From street fairs to subway platforms, a plastic bag of Tajín-speckled fruit is a common sight in New York City.
I finally learned Tajín is a blend of mild chilis, sea salt, and lime used to season everything from fruit, veggies, seafood, and more. The seasoning comes in both spice and sauce form and originated in Mexico. According to a spokesperson from Tajín:
Our Classic Seasoning Powder: “Chile”, Lemon and Salt in the different presentations 0.03oz, 0.05oz, 0.2oz, 0.35oz, 5oz and 14oz does not have gluten. In a medium term we are decided to certify this product and process as “gluten free”.
Recently, I attend Smorgasburg in Brooklyn, NY and tried my first chamoyada. This popular Mexican treat is a blend of sweet, spicy, and saltiness all in one cup. This snack consists of fruit ice, chamoy, Tajín, and a tamarind candy stick. I was intrigued by the combination of flavors so my boyfriend and I split a mango chamoyada from the La New Yorkina food tent. I can’t say I loved my first chamoyada, but I also didn’t hate it. It was a little too salty for me and the mango wasn’t as sweet as I hoped to balance out the saltiness. I love jamaica (hibiscus) so I think next time I will go for that flavor instead.
I never really questioned the “gluten-freeness” of the seasoning until a Facebook follower named Alicia questioned me after I posted the pictures above. (Yes, this was a HUGE mistake and risk on my part to eat first and research after but in this case it turned out just fine.) I am pleased the Tajín company responded to my emails and also happy they are going through the gluten-free certification process for their product.
How do you use Tajín? I would love for you to share your favorite gluten-free recipes below!