What Is Tajín Seasoning? How Do You Use It?

You've probably seen it before, even if you don't know what it is — that red seasoning all over cut pieces of fresh fruit. Is it spicy? Is it sweet? And besides fruit, what's it good on?

Yes, yes, and lots! Tajín combines two of Mexican cuisine's signature flavors: chili spice and citrus. And it's become so popular over its 35-plus years that The New York Times said that, rather than simply being a seasoning, "Tajín is a lifestyle." While it was invented in 1985 and debuted in America in 1993, the seasoning has really exploded in popularity since 2012, and is now available in 35 countries.

What Is Tajín Seasoning?

What's commonly called "Tajín" is really Tajín Clásico, the first and most popular condiment made by Empresas Tajín in Jalisco, Mexico. Its ingredients are ground dried chile peppers (a blend of chiles de árbol, guajillo and pasilla), dehydrated lime, and sea salt. The company also makes a lower-sodium version and a spicier habanero version, in addition to snack sauces.

While the color — and the combination of three hot peppers — might be off-putting to people who don't love spice, this seasoning actually isn't all that spicy. It's got a mild warmth that's also salty and citrusy. Tajín started out as a seasoning to enhance fresh fruit and vegetables like mango, pineapple, melon, jicama, and cucumber — but as the product grew in popularity, people started using it anywhere and everywhere.

Ways to Use Tajín Seasoning

It adds a punch to guacamole or grilled corn; it can be part of a marinade on poultry, meats, and fish; and it's commonly used as a tabletop condiment that's an alternative to plain salt. Cocktails are another story. Use Tajín as a seasoning ingredient in a Michelada, as a rimmer on a Bloody Mary, or to add an extra something to a margarita, spicy or not. True connoisseurs sprinkle this versatile ingredient liberally on popcorn, calling it a game changer.

While you don't really need a recipe to incorporate Tajín into your cooking repertoire, a little inspiration never hurt anyone. Check out these Roasted Tajin Pumpkin Seeds, Air Fryer Tajin Apple Chips or Sweet Potato Fries, and this Tajin Fruit Salad.You could also get creative and formulate your own chili-lime seasoning, with your personal selection of staple ingredients: dried chiles, different kinds of citrus zest, and finishing salts — then put it on whatever you like. The sky is the limit.

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