The History of Old Bay
Old Bay is easily Maryland’s most well-known seasoning, not to mention one of the defining elements of the state’s culinary culture. The seasoning, with its distinctive and strong taste, is prized by Marylanders and seafood lovers everywhere. Old Bay also has plenty of uses outside of seafood, but it’s true calling is found in a crab cake or sprinkled on a bushel of fresh crabs. So how did this Maryland icon come to be? Read on for the history of Old Bay.
The History of Old Bay
Old Bay got its start more than 70 years ago in Baltimore. Spice merchant Gustav Brunn emigrated from Germany, arriving in Baltimore in 1938. He got a job at McCormick but was let go after only two days. His son Ralph claims this was because Gustav was Jewish, but McCormick has said it has no record of the firing. In either case, the firing prompted Gustav to create his own spice company, where Old Bay would come to fruition.
Gustav opened the Baltimore Spice Co. in 1939 right next to the wholesale fish market. He made note of the spices that seafood merchants were buying in his store, and noted their taste for a combination of black pepper, red pepper, and celery seed. Gustav added some addition spices including ginger, laurel, and bay leaf to this blend, and called it Delicious Brand Shrimp and Crab Seasoning. After World War Two he changed the name to Old Bay, “the nickname of the Baltimore Steam Packet Co., which ran ships from Baltimore to Norfolk.”
The spice had a local following in, but it remained a Baltimore exclusive for many years. The company was sold in 1985, and after several more sales, Old Bay found its way to McCormick. McCormick put its full weight behind marketing efforts for Old Bay, and it was soon able to be found across the country and even internationally. So next time you reach for a can of Old Bay to sprinkle on a fresh pile of crabs, thank Gustav Brunn for his invention!
Catonsville Gourmet: The Best Fresh Seafood in the Baltimore Area
Catonsville Gourmet is the perfect destination for fresh seafood, from crabmeat to rockfish to today’s fresh catch, in the Baltimore area. We offer the freshest seafood, delectable prepared foods, gourmet products and a unique dining experience.
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