“Those Who Know…use J.O.”

Fairly unknown to most, but those who know…use J.O.

Despite celebrating 80 years of business in 2025, J.O. Spice has been one of the best kept secrets of Baltimore County. They’ve provided the taste of the Chesapeake Bay while sustaining a relatively low profile.

As a manufacturer and distributor, their biggest sellers include J.O. Crab Seasoning #1 and #2, but among the dozen ingredients, their secret component is all in the family.

The J.O. Spice Company, Inc. was established in 1945 by James Ozzie Strigle on Tangier Island, Virginia, a small 3-mile islet nestled in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. As a shoremen town, their livelihoods revolved around seafood. Homemade seasoning blends were passed down for centuries and used on the seafood that they caught. Eventually, James Ozzie and his wife Dot opened a storefront in Baltimore where they sold those recipes of blended pantry spices to wholesale seafood markets. Business quickly took off. Their daughter Jane took over the business when J.O. passed away in 1974, and is now currently run by grandson Don Ports, his wife Ginger, and their three children.

As business grew rapidly over the years, they kept the machine well-oiled with the help of those closest to them. They employ a small full-time staff of about 20+ people at the warehouse in order to keep the operation running smoothly. The hard-working tradition and the blue-collar values of their family and close friends are reflected in their finished products. Care and consistency are blended to give off that distinct aroma you’ve enjoyed for so long.

From the first Maryland Blue Crab you ever cracked, and every one in between, it’s more than likely J.O. No. 2 Seasoning that you’ve tasted with every bite. The biggest difference in their seasoning compared to other brands is the large, granulated salt which enhances the flavor and adheres to the crab in the steaming process, making it a widely popular choice among most crab houses and crab trucks in Baltimore County and beyond.

It’s the similar competition that keeps J.O. on their A-game. “Everything has to be perfect,” Ginger enthusiastically explains. With thousands of clients up and down the east coast, their perfection remains consistent.

However, every successful company runs through adversity, which makes them stronger in the long run. Right now, they’re working through some growing pains. Tyler Ports, great grandson of J.O., and son of Don and Ginger, serves as the company’s warehouse supervisor. “We don’t have enough staff to help push out the increasing demands,” he says.

Many of their loyal employees are in college, making it difficult to find new people they can immediately trust to treat J.O. like they’re part of the family.

Despite some bumps in the road, expansion is still part of the long-term plan. “We would like to build mezzanines in the warehouse for more space. We’re just looking for the state to believe to help fund,” Tyler adds.

For now, business is booming on the retail side where they’re more than just a crab spice company. J.O.’s pumps out products essential for every kitchen cabinet. From BBQ grilling spices, breading, batters, and soups, their line has expanded and is now carried in seafood markets, grocery stores, tackle and bait shops, local butchers, and more.

Their wholesale store in Halethorpe is a Maryland seafood lovers’ paradise. And the online store is the PERFECT place to buy J.O. branded gifts. From glassware and trinkets to shirts and apparel. Their seasonings and spices are perfect to sprinkle on any of your favorite foods.

Scent is believed to be the most powerful link to memory, which can evoke vivid and emotionally charged memories of the past. For some, the aroma of J.O. triggers flashbacks to family gatherings, summertime parties, and crab feasts. We’ll never know all the ingredients that go into their nostalgic blend of spices, but it’s the dash of heart and soul of one family that sets them apart.

So, the next time you’re hosting a crab feast, or you want to experiment with steaming your own bushel of crabs, now you’ll know to use J.O.

SUGGESTED RECIPE – MARYLAND STEAMED CRABS (Perfectly paired with a Natty Boh)

For each dozen crabs use one cup water and one cup vinegar, which should be put in steamer first. Then place crabs on elevated platform in steamer and sprinkle J.O. Seasoning generously over each layer of crabs. Steam about 20 to 30 minutes until bright red.

WATCH: J.O. Spice Company featured on WJZ-TV morning show with Marty Bass