For those of us who live in Maryland, Old Bay seafood seasoning is not just seasoning; it’s part of the culture. It’s so popular, it’s shocking it is not part of the state flag! How popular, you ask?
Most people know it’s the go-to seasoning for steamed blue crabs, shrimp, and soups. But, there is also an endless list of recipes and products bearing its name, here are just a few: Old Bay wings, Old Bay fries, Old Bay vodka, Old Bay peanuts, Old Bay Bloody Mary mix, Grilled Corn with Old Bay mayo, Stovetop Old Bay Popcorn …. I think you get the idea.
However, many Marylanders will be surprised to learn there is another seafood seasoning company with Baltimore roots. It also has been in business for almost as long, and is thriving. The company…. J.O. Spice Company.
About J O Crab Seasoning
Did you know J O Crab Seasoning is one of the most popular seafood seasonings used by crab houses and restaurants throughout Maryland and surrounding states?
Why?
J O Crab Seasoning is produced using a special blend of spices and large salt crystals, perfect for sticking to the crab shells during the steaming process.
They have a large selection of seasonings to choose from, but the one you want for steaming seafood, especially crabs, is the J.O. No. 2 “Crab House Spice”.
Dozens of crab houses in the region were contacted, and the majority — 18 out of 30 — said they steam crabs with either J.O. No. 2 seasoning or a custom blend made by the Halethorpe-based spice company… Just one mentioned steaming crabs with Old Bay as part of a custom mix.
The Baltimore Sun
History
Since 1945, J. O. Spice Company has been providing the best in seafood seasoning for restaurants and home cooks alike.
The company was founded by Jame Ozzle (J.O.) and his wife Dot. Both were raised on Tangier Island, Virginia—a small island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay that’s known for its seafood-based economy.
Based on their local success, the Ozzles decided to take their business to Baltimore City. The rest, as they say, is history.
Today, the company is still a family-run business. It provides seafood seasonings for wholesale as well as retail sales for household use.
About Old Bay
Old Bay seafood seasoning traces its roots back to 1939. Gustav Brunn immigrated from Germany and started the Baltimore Spice Company. The popular “Delicious Brand Shrimp and Crab Seasoning” was later changed to Old Bay. It was named after the Old Bay Line, a passenger ship line that sailed the waters of the Chesapeake Bay from Baltimore to Norfolk, Virginia.
In 1990, the rights to the Old Bay seasoning brand were purchased by McCormick & Co. McCormick has continued to offer Old Bay in the iconic yellow can.
It is safe to say that if local residents have seafood seasoning in their pantry, it’s Old Bay.
Over the years, McCormick has leveraged its marketing position and the popularity of Old Bay. It has created products and food around the icon seasoning in a wide variety of markets.
Today, you can purchase Pepperidge Farm Old Bay Goldfish crackers, Old Bay potato chips, Old Bay Hot Sauce, clothing, and more more.
JO Spice ingredients
The JO Spice #1 is made using a blend of salt, paprika, and others spices to produce their distinct flavor.
Each 1/2 teaspoon serving contains 260 mg of sodium.
Old Bay ingredients
The classic Old Bay seasoning contains celery salt (a combination of salt and celery seed), spices (Including Red Pepper and Black Pepper), and Paprika.
Each 1/4 teaspoon serving contains 140 mg of sodium
JO Spice #1 vs #2
With all this talk about spices, it is easy to get confused.
Just know that the JO Spice #1 is an all-around seafood seasoning. It is an apple to apple comparison to Old Bay.
The JO Spice #2 is mostly used for crab seasoning during the steaming process. It contains coarser salt that is perfect for steaming crabs, allowing it to stick to the shell.
Which is the best? Old Bay or JO Spice
The answer really comes down to how you plan to use these spices.
For cooking, especially steaming crabs, JO Spice #2 is the right spice for the job.
This is not to say Old Bay shouldn’t be used for steaming. But Old Bay is better suited as table seasoning.
When comparing the original Old Bay vs JO Spice #1, this really comes down to personal preference. I am not trying to convince you to give up your Old Bay. Like many of you reading this, Old Bay IS crab seasoning to me.
In fact, Old Bay is such a popular brand name that most people call ALL brands of seafood seasoning Old Bay, even if it is a different brand.
If I’m being honest, both seasonings deserve a place on your spice rack. The tastes are similar (JO Spice taste a bit sweeter), but Old Bay is what I’m used to and expect in a seafood seasoning.
So, after trying both spices on a variety of foods, my decision goes with JO #2 for cooking /steaming, and original Old Bay on the table.
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
