Spice Barista Corner

I love smoky flavor but not much heat — what should I buy?

Good news — smoky and spicy aren't the same thing! A well-made smoked salt or rub can give you deep, wood-fire character with little to no chile heat, so you get all the flavor without the burn.

For the brightest smoky flavor, add these right before serving rather than cooking them in — that keeps the wood-fire notes vivid instead of muted.