Marinate or spice? That's no longer the question

Barbecues and grills enhance food's pure flavor, allowing you to savor its true essence. But they don't necessarily mean simply placing chicken drumsticks or steaks on the coals or grill at home—quite the opposite. For many, grilling is boring because it lacks that extra something that only the right seasoning can provide. Understanding how to choose the right seasoning, when to add it first and when to add it last, will make all the difference in the outcome. La Drogheria 1880, a historic brand long present on Italian tables, with its iconic jars of spices and salts with grinders, has launched a complete range of herb and spice mixes that enhance the flavor of any barbecue: from classic beef, chicken, turkey, and pork, to vegetables and fish, to staples of vegan diets like tofu: there's a perfect mix for every ingredient. Thanks to the practical adjustable grinder, which comes with each product, you can choose the grind size, the ingredients retain all their fragrance and are easy to dose. The mixes can be used directly on dishes, after cooking, or to flavor them with marinades – a real touch that says goodbye to the usual grilling.

Meat or fish are rubbed with various herbs in the absence of liquid. Salt and sugar (70% salt and 30% sugar, respectively) and herbs are used to marinate fish fillets, for example, making them firmer and more flavorful. To add flavor, a citrusy blend enhanced by the fresh notes of savory and marjoram and the pungent notes of garlic is perfect. To enhance the delicate flavor of fish, La Drogheria 1880 offers BBQ FISH & SCAMPI, a mix specifically designed for these ingredients. It can be used both to flavor the dry marinade and at the end of cooking, even after pan-frying. Meat can be marinated by rubbing it with a mix of herbs and spices and a few tablespoons of oil, which conveys the flavors and helps the mixture adhere. Each blend is carefully crafted to pair perfectly with different cuts of meat: for beef, there's BBQ STEAK & BURGER, with the flavor of black pepper, the spicy sweetness of paprika, and the scent of rosemary. The result is a harmonious flavor, perfect for enhancing the bold flavor of beef, and can be used both as a dry marinade and as a seasoning for cooked steaks or burgers.

The general golden ratio for marinating calls for using about 2/3 beer (excellent for chicken and turkey) or red wine (for beef), or 1/3 whiskey if you're trying to create a smoky flavor. Simply avoid metal containers and let the ingredients soak for a few minutes or hours, depending on the type and size of the food. For small pieces of meat like chicken skewers and delicate vegetables, a maximum of half an hour is sufficient, no more than two hours, and up to half a day for chicken drumsticks and thighs, boneless cuts of meat, or firmer vegetables. Pieces like pork shoulder, brisket, or shanks can marinate overnight. Perfect for making a beer-based marinade or ground directly onto finished dishes, BBQ CHICKEN & TURKEY from La Drogheria 1880, for example, is a blend characterized by the citrus flavor of lemon zest and the aromatic, pungent scent of black pepper, perfect for chicken and turkey. Combined with garlic and onion, they enhance the delicate flavor of white meats without ever overpowering their taste.

Sweet, spicy, and flavorful, pork ribs need the right seasoning to be truly delicious. They can be marinated in a blend of honey and spices for a few hours, then cooked while still wrapped in their delicious sauce. Or they can be grilled plain, then seasoned and served with accompanying sauces. BBQ PORK & RIBS, a spicy and intense blend of chili pepper and black pepper, was created specifically for ribs. Its intense spiciness and beautiful red color come from a balanced blend of chili peppers, tomato, and dried chili peppers.

Tasteless tofu, seitan, or burgers? Never again thanks to BBQ VEGGIE mix with mustard, turmeric, fenugreek, and coriander, which together create an exotic flavor with a subtle spicy note. It's perfect for vegan and vegetarian dishes, ideal for flavoring all meat substitutes, both before, during, or after cooking, simply using the handy grinder. And for vegetables, BBQ VEGETABLES with aromatic herbs like basil and black pepper can replace simple salt for a boost in the usual side dish of grilled eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes—or other seasonal vegetables.