BBQ Supplies

Qbert60 · Oct 22, 2018

I'm not sure if this has been covered before, but I'd like to know how often everyone orders BBQ supplies. By supplies I mean rubs and sauces.

I had something happen this year that I wonder about constantly. Can rubs lose their flavor over time? My chicken always had a peppery finish and I know it's because of a certain rub I use. I ordered that rub in bulk last year, then portioned them out in 1/2 cup increments in tiny zip-lock bags. I kept everything in my basement which is cool and dry. This year, I didn't change any ingredients, but lost that peppery finish. Last year I typically scored pretty well in chicken, where this year I was in the mid to bottom at just about every contest. That peppery finish is the only thing that I can put my finger on.

5am · Oct 22, 2018

Spices can mellow out and lose flavor over time. Vacuum seal the rub in portions and store it in the freezer to keep it fresh.

midwest_kc · Oct 22, 2018

What 5am said.

However, to answer your question, I typically don't buy in bulk, unless I'm doing a catering, or something where I know I'll go through all/most of it quickly. I usually just buy the smaller formats as needed for comps. For example, one of our Pork rubs, I use about a bottle a comp. So, I typically take 2 (or 1 and a partial), and I usually buy a shaker the week of the competition.

medic92 · Oct 22, 2018

I had some rub that I put in a clear plastic container and left in the garage near a window where the sun partially hit it, then promptly forgot about it. The part that was in the sun faded to nearly white over time. I didn't use it but I'll bet the flavor was seriously degraded.

Joe Black · Oct 22, 2018

I keep my rubs in an air tite plastic container in the freezer. When I'm ready to use it, I take it out of the freezer and stir it with a fork to mix up the clumps. Seems to work very well.

West River BBQ · Oct 22, 2018

I think the problem is air hitting the spices. Sealing might help, but then you have to figure out how often you'll be opening a newly sealed package. If you really want to see how much it changes over time, take a sniff of a newly opened bottle right after smelling the older version. It's remarkable with some spices. Ginger and sage come to mind. Let us know what you find out.

CBQ · Nov 12, 2018

Spices degrade over time, especially anything with heat. I replace my rubs about 3 times a season, if they aren't consumed.

Bigwhipple · Nov 13, 2018

We start with new rubs at the beginning of each season (March for us) and only order the small shaker size for each other than a couple that we order the large shaker size. Never in bulk.
If we have any left at the end of the season, I finish them off at home.

BBQ Supplies

Qbert60

Take a breath!

5am

Knows what a fatty is.

midwest_kc

is one Smokin' Farker

medic92

is one Smokin' Farker

Joe Black

Babbling Farker

West River BBQ

Full Fledged Farker

CBQ

is One Chatty Farker

Bigwhipple

Is lookin for wood to cook with.

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