Home » Cooking Spices

Cooking Spices

As Rangers at Philmont, we share the same meals as our crews. With summers of experience cooking and eating Philmont trail meals, we’ve learned a few important truths—chief among them, that most Philmont trail meals are pretty bland. While they provide the energy needed for long days on the trail, they don’t always satisfy the palate. If you want to enjoy your meals, you’ll need to bring along some spice to liven them up.

A critical rule of the trail kitchen is this: never add seasoning directly to the pot of food. Everyone has different tastes, and it’s important to make sure every member of the crew eats enough to power through the next day. Adding seasoning to individual servings lets everyone customize their meal to their liking.

Now, let us introduce you to the unsung hero of the Philmont trail: Cholula. This magical lady roams the trails with every Ranger, holding a special place in our hearts—and stomachs. Without her, trail meals would be dull and uninspired. Cholula’s rich, tangy flavor elevates everything. Often, when a Ranger shares this spicy savior with a crew, they find that half the bottle disappears in no time. If you’re planning your trek, bring at least three or four bottles of Cholula to keep your meals flavorful throughout the journey.

Of course, Cholula isn’t the only spice worth packing. Other seasonings to consider include:

You can usually find spice wheels—compact containers with a variety of seasonings—for purchase at Philmont’s Backcountry Commissaries, but it’s a good idea to bring your own supply. Be sure to pack enough spices to last your entire trek, especially if you’re out for 12 days.

When packing spices, always store them in zip-lock bags or another secure container. Trail life can be unpredictable, and no one wants a bag coated in cayenne pepper because of a leaky spice container!

With a little preparation and the right seasonings, you can transform your Philmont trail meals into something truly memorable. A bit of spice not only enhances the flavor but also boosts morale—because nothing lifts spirits on a tough day like a warm, flavorful meal shared with your crew under the wide New Mexico sky.

Gear Category: CrewRecommended Quantity: 4

Recommended Products:

PhilBible may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.