Are cajun and blackened seasoning the same ingredients? Can you substitute one for the other?
The differences between cajun and blackened seasonings are often misconstrued because they contain almost the same ingredients. However, they are entirely different and the differences are worth noting.
This article explores the differences, similarities, and other relevant information you need to know about cajun and blackened seasonings.
What is cajun seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a rustic and spicy combination of paprika, thyme, celery seed, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, red pepper, and oregano.
However, additional seasonings can be added to spice it up.
Uses of cajun seasoning
Generally, anything that needs a little cajun spice can be seasoned with cajun seasoning. Here are some of its uses:
- Hot BBQ sauces
- Spices for grilling meat, pig, chicken, and shellfish
- Seafood meals that include fish or shrimp
- Breading or batter for fried chicken
- Serving sauces with pasta or rice
- Mutton balls and hamburger patties
- Fish cakes and seafood patties
- Hashbrowns, sweet potato fries, and french fries
- Stews and soups (especially gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice)
Composition of cajun seasoning
| Sodium | 3267 mg |
| Potassium | 51 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2.4 gm |
| Proteins | 0.5 gm |
| Vitamin A | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 1.5% |
| Iron | 2.2% |
| Calories | 11 |
Benefits of cajun seasoning
- Cajun seasoning improves cardiovascular health and decreases blood pressure.
- This seasoning contains spices such as capsaicin, piperine, thymol, allicin, and carvacrol. These spices help to prevent the risk of developing cancers.
- The Cajun spice blend comprises thyme, cayenne pepper, and paprika, all of which are high in vitamin C. This micronutrient aids in the defense of the immune system against intruders.
- These spices contain capsaicin which helps to burn fat and reduce obesity. They can lower lipid accumulation in fat cells and fat tissues in various ways.
- Cajun seasoning aids food digestion improves eye health, protects against oxidative stress, eliminates pathogens, and also helps the skin.
Blackened seasoning
Blackened seasoning is a mix of chili powders, herbs, and spices. It is spicy, tangy, and tastes like a mix of cajun and creole spices. If you like cajun and creole seasoning, you will also enjoy blackening.
While blackened seasoning is spicy, it is not too hot. Blackened seasoning is the perfect blend if you want a lot of flavor without lots of spice. However, you can easily make it your own by adding other spices to make it as spicy as you like.
Uses of blackened seasoning
Blackened seasoning is a homemade versatile seasoning that pairs well with beef, seafood, poultry, vegetables, pork or seafood, and many more.
Composition of blackened seasoning
| Sodium | 146.5 mg |
| Potassium | 65.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 3.0 g |
| Vitamin A | 19.6 % |
| Vitamin C | 2.9 % |
| Calcium | 1.8 % |
Benefits of blackened seasoning
- Blackened seasoning is good for everyone’s health. It has garlic powder, which is a good source of vitamin B6, onion powder, which is a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, and paprika, which is a good source of vitamin A, iron, fiber, and magnesium.
- It also lowers the risk of cancer and aids in the battle against inflammation and constipation.
- Also, women claim that consuming blackened seasoning on its own helps to ease the pain of their menstrual cramps.
What is the difference between cajun and blackened seasoning?
The major difference between cajun and blackened seasoning is the level of spiciness. Cajun is spicier than blackened seasoning and blackened seasoning usually contains cajun.
Furthermore, cajun has a broader use than blackened seasoning which is primarily used to black things like fish, seafood, and meats.
Cajun has more sodium, calories, protein, and carbs than blackened seasoning. In essence, cajun seasoning should not be on your list of seasonings if you’re on a low-calorie, low-sodium diet.
FAQS
How long does blackened seasoning last?
It can last for a year or two if properly stored.
How should blackened seasoning be stored?
It should be stored in a jar or container and kept in a cool and dry place.
Is cajun better than blackened seasoning?
Typically, cajun is spicier than blackened seasoning. But, since you can create your cajun, it can be less spicy if you use less cayenne. However, it contains more sodium which is not healthy for you.
Conclusion
Both cajun seasoning and blackened seasoning have many health benefits, and are very similar to one another, as they both contain similar ingredients.
However, the significant difference between them is that cajun seasoning tends to be spicier.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article.
Thank you for reading.
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