Rubs are a great way to use low and slow cooking, as well as in grilling and sautéing. Rubs produce more intensely flavored dishes because they are composed of spices undiluted by liquids and because they will adhere to the surface of foods better than marinades. In addition, they don’t require the soaking time that marinades do – you can simply rub the spices onto the meat and place it on the grill.

Curry and Chili powder are combinations of spices which, when combined, form a superior flavorful blend that is very different from either of the single ingredients. This same marriage of flavors is what is achieved with a great rub. A knowledge of how to combine many flavors and aromas to achieve a simple result, and, knowing when not to combine flavors, is often the difference between a good cook and great cook. As we have never had the variety of spices or the knowledge of world cuisines that we have today, so many more flavor combinations are possible.