4-H’er Josh Ryan: Spice Mixer
4-h’er Josh Ryan selling his spice mixes.
Are you seeking a special rub for that summer barbeque, perhaps something All-American? Then look no further than Josh Ryan, a nearly 11-year-old 4-H’er who just finished fifth grade and is a budding entrepreneur. A Plymouth resident and member of the Recipe Rebels 4-H Club, Josh started his own spice mix business that even has a Facebook page, Smoky Delights
Josh first started selling his spice mixes at the April 2024 South Shore Children’s Business Fair in Hanover. “He wanted to participate in an activity, and he always loved to cook,” explained his father, Matt.
Josh also sold spices at the 2026 Plymouth Public Schools fifth grade business fair, an event to encourage entrepreneurship among youth, following in the footsteps of his two older brothers. “This event encourages kids to go out and run their business,” explained Matt. His cooking skills were recognized when he won the inaugural 2025 East Middleboro 4-H Fair Chili Cook-Off. At the fair, Josh also manned his own booth to sell his spice mixes.
Specific spice mixes include the All-American Barbecue, his favorite blend, containing paprika, garlic, pepper, salt, onion powder, and brown sugar. Other mixes run the gamut from a spicy Carolina ember to a tangy garlic citrus herb mix.
Creating the spice mixes is a process of trial and error for Josh. “I mix, and I figure out what would be good with what I have so far,” he said. He provides a “heat scale” for his customers to discern spice level and sells jerky as well
Nutritional information is printed on the Smoky Delights website for customers to research ingredient, nutritional, and allergen information. The website also enables Josh to post recipes and cooking demonstrations, especially for customers he meets at live events who have further interest.
Josh working on a recipe.
Josh’s passion for cooking has also led to a cookbook, From the Holler to the Harbor, that can be ordered on Amazon. The Ryan family supports their budding entrepreneur with website development and content development, leaving the core business and cooking to Josh.
Josh hopes to continue expanding his business with more creative products and recipes. “I hope to come up with more recipes and help families come up with a good dinner,” he said. “I like that I can help people enjoy good flavor quickly.”
