At the crossroads of the barbecue world, Memphis has it all.  Spices from the four corners are on the shelves here in three notable locations preferred by barbecue competitors.  For the hobbyist interested in experimenting and developing his own rub, this would be a good time to take a trip around the shelves and see what’s in the offing.

In light of the fact that many of the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Contest competitors will be descending on these stores, supplies and selections will be at their highest.  This could be the year that someone introduces that heretofore untried variety from some exotic place and grab the limelight with a win based on their unique seasoning.  Have you tried Sumac (not the poison)?   It has a flavor that is similar to that of lemon juice or vinegar, but is milder and less acidic.  Sounds like a natural for some good Q.

You can get Sumac and a near infinite number of other spices from Penzeys at 6641 Poplar.  The store sells to the teams who know their stuff.

Jean Person, in retail sales, says, “Our business jumps this time of year with the barbecue contest teams.  I can’t recall all their funny names, but they come in each year.”

Asked what they are in search of, she cites “paprika, cayenne pepper, chili, mustard, garlic and ginger.”  And there’s always “the blends and their secret ingredients.”

In addition to individual retail sales, Penzeys provides spices and herbs to local restaurants.  The 40-year-old business is owned by Bill Penzey and has 40 locations in the U.S.  Wholesaling is handled out of the Wauwatosa, Wisc., warehouse.
Another option is Farmer Brothers Coffee, another national company with wholesale and retail services at 5753 East Shelby Drive.  Steve Newman, who puts together orders, said  the Memphis division “covers six states – Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri and Kentucky.”

“We sell ingredients for those who want to make their own rubs, but we can and do also custom-blend in-house to the customer’s specifics.  One of our larger customers is Tom’s Bar-B-Q.  They will order 20-30 cases at a time.”
Although the parent company based in Torrance, Calif.. specializes in coffees and teas, the spice and herb business is significant, especially in the land of Q.  The business, too, sees a significant rise in barbecue-related spice and herb sales at this time of year at the Memphis location.

A third choice for the full spectrum of rub and seasoning contents is the Ingredients Corporation of America, a one-location Memphis store, where they claim to be “knowledgeable in virtually all areas of product formulation, design and duplication." It may seem something of an irony, but the company uses “ only …… Kosher-certified spices….”  Ironic everywhere but Memphis, which hosted "Bagels & Barbecue: The Jewish Experience in Tennessee" exhibit - another story for another time.

ICA also provides duplication serves by which a particular blend can be analyzed and that formula used in creating a new duplicate spice for the customer.  Manager Kathryn Peterson explained that, “we have what is called a food scientist on staff that is specifically trained in this area.”

A limited variety of the ICA line, formerly the Barzi brand, is available in places like Schnucks, Super Lo, Miss Cordelia’s and High Point Terrace, but for the complete selection you have to go to the location at 1270 Warford.  There is a $100 minimum for retail purchases and a 25-pound minimum for blends.  ICA purchased the Barzi brand in 2005 from George Barzizza, owner of the then-80-year-old Memphis business known by generations of Memphians for its international inventory.

It is no little coincidence that the finest barbecue in the world is found where such a vast array of flavors from around the world can be so readily found.  Memphis – crossroads of America, barbecue capital of the world!