Rub

A rub, in the context of cooking or smoking, refers to a seasoned mixture of spices and herbs applied to food, typically meat, before cooking. Its purpose is to enhance flavor, create a flavorful crust, and sometimes improve texture during cooking, especially in methods like grilling or smoking. Rubbing the mixture onto the surface ensures the spices adhere well and develop a tasty bark or crust as the food cooks. Different rubs can include various ingredients such as salt, sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and others, tailored to complement the specific dish.