sazonar

Sazonar is a Spanish verb that means to season, flavor, or enhance the taste of food. It refers to the act of adding ingredients such as salt, herbs, spices, acids, or fats to dishes to improve aroma, savor, and texture. It can occur before, during, or after cooking.

The term derives from sazón, meaning seasoning or flavor, and is used across Spanish-speaking cuisines, including Spain and Latin America.

Common ingredients include salt, pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, oregano, cilantro, citrus juice, vinegar, and olive oil. Sazonar can involve dry rubs, marinades, or blended spice mixes that target specific dishes.

In Caribbean and Latin American cooking, sazón also refers to commercial seasoning blends, often labeled sazón, adobo, or recaito. These mixes may include annatto (achiote) for color, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, and salt.

Effective sazoning respects balance, allowing flavors to blend without overpowering the dish. It is a flexible practice that adapts to regional traditions, dietary needs, and personal preferences.