Old Bay Seasoning

Old Bay Seasoning is a trademarked American seasoning mix originating from Baltimore, Maryland. The mix includes paprika, celery salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper, among other spices which are believed to include bay leaves, dry mustard, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, mace, cardamom, and allspice.

The seasoning was originally sold in distinctive yellow cans by McCormick & Company, but today it's usually sold in plastic containers. The spice mix is primarily used to season seafood such as shrimp and crab, but it can also be used in clam chowders, oyster stews, or as a topping for eggs, french fries, corn on the cob, popcorn, fried chicken, and salads.

In the Chesapeake Bay region, the seasoning is used as an ingredient in Bloody Marys. Interestingly, Old Bay Seasoning is named after a passenger ship that went from Chesapeake Bay to Norfolk in the early 1900s, and it was called the Old Bay Line.