Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our spice blends
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wojapi?
Wojapi (pronounced woh-ZHA-pee) is a traditional Lakota berry sauce made from chokecherries, blueberries, and other wild berries. It has been a staple of Lakota cuisine for generations, served at ceremonies, gatherings, and family meals. Red Wing Spices evolved this sacred tradition into a modern dry rub — our Wojapi Meat Rub blends use freeze-dried berries combined with smoked spices to bring that heritage flavor to your grill, smoker, or stovetop.
What does the Original Wojapi Meat Rub taste like?
The Original Wojapi Meat Rub has a sweet and tangy flavor with earthy smoke, subtle heat, and a hint of wild berries. The blend of blackberries, blueberries, lingonberries, black currant, and aronia berries provides tartness, while smoked paprika, garlic, onion, cracked pepper, and cayenne give it savory depth. It's bold, complex, and versatile — great on beef, pork, bison, venison, and game.
How spicy is the Spicy Wojapi Blend?
The Spicy Wojapi Blend has a medium-to-hot heat level thanks to ghost pepper (bhut jolokia). The heat builds slowly — it starts as a warm tingle and intensifies over a few seconds. It's not an instant burn. The five-berry base balances the heat with sweetness, so you get flavor first and heat second. If you enjoy spicy food, you'll love it. If you're heat-sensitive, start with the Original Blend which has a milder cayenne warmth.
What makes the Citrus Wojapi Blend different?
The Citrus Wojapi Blend adds dehydrated lemon peel, lemon myrtle, and chipotle to our five-berry base. It has a bright, zesty flavor that works especially well on poultry, seafood, and vegetables. The citrus and berry sugars caramelize during cooking to create a crispy, mahogany crust — it's our top choice for smoked whole chicken and Thanksgiving turkey.
What meats does each blend pair best with?
The Original Wojapi Meat Rub is ideal for beef, bison, pork, venison, brisket, burgers, and steaks. The Spicy Wojapi Blend is great on beef jerky, ground beef dishes, ribs, and anything where you want a slow-building ghost pepper heat. The Citrus Wojapi Blend shines on chicken, turkey, fish, shrimp, and roasted vegetables. All three blends also work well in stews, bean dishes, and on roasted vegetables for extra richness.
How do I use the Wojapi Meat Rub?
Apply generously to your protein of choice and press it into the surface. For best results, season the night before and let it dry brine uncovered in the fridge — the salt penetrates the meat while the surface dries out, which gives you a better crust. You can also season 30-45 minutes before cooking for a quicker prep. It works on any cooking method: grilling, smoking, reverse searing, cast iron, oven roasting, or air frying.
Does it work on a Traeger or pellet smoker?
Absolutely — our rubs were developed on a Traeger and that's where they really shine. The natural berry sugars in the rub caramelize during a long, low smoke to build a deep mahogany bark. We recommend hickory or cherry pellets for beef, and cherry or apple pellets for poultry. Check out our recipe blog for step-by-step Traeger recipes for brisket, ribeye, whole chicken, turkey, beef jerky, and more.
Is it gluten-free, non-GMO, and allergen-friendly?
Yes. All three Wojapi Meat Rub blends are gluten-free, non-GMO, and contain no preservatives, MSG, or artificial fillers. They are made in a certified commercial kitchen. If you have specific allergen concerns, please contact us and we'll provide the full ingredient list for any blend.
What is the shelf life?
Unopened, each jar has a shelf life of approximately 18-24 months. Once opened, we recommend using it within 12 months for the best flavor. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The freeze-dried berries and smoked spices hold their potency well over time.
Is Red Wing Spices Native-owned?
Yes. Red Wing Spices is proudly Native-owned. Co-founder Melody Red Wing is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Nation of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and a direct descendant of Chief Red Wing (Tatankamani and Wakute) of the Mdewakanton Dakota and Chief Red Cloud (Mahpiya Luta) of the Oglala Lakota. The recipes and flavors are rooted in her family's Lakota heritage — this is not 'inspired by' Native culture, it is Native culture.
Where is it made?
Each batch is handcrafted in small batches in a certified commercial kitchen in Pennsylvania using U.S.-sourced ingredients. We mix, fill, and label every jar ourselves to ensure quality and consistency.
How long does shipping take?
Orders typically ship within 1-3 business days. Standard shipping (USPS) usually takes 3-7 business days depending on your location. We ship nationwide within the United States. You'll receive a tracking number by email as soon as your order ships.
Do you offer gift cards or gift sets?
Yes! We offer digital gift cards that are delivered instantly by email. They're perfect for the griller or food lover in your life. Gift cards can be used on any product in our store including all three Wojapi Meat Rub blends and apparel.
Do you sell wholesale?
Yes, we work with select retailers, restaurants, and specialty food shops. If you're interested in carrying Red Wing Spices, please reach out through our Contact page and we'll send you our wholesale information and pricing.