All about mustard – the final guide. What really is mustard and how can you make the best of it in your kitchen? Discover creative ways to use mustard in this guide we wrote just for you! From homemade sauces to popular recipes and pairing suggestions, this short article covers everything you need to know about this versatile condiment!
- What is Mustard Really?
- Why is Mustard So Cheap?
- What Different Types & Forms of Mustard Are There?
- Most Popular Recipes Involving Mustard
- What Homemade Sauces Can You Make Using Mustard?
- What Food Goes Best With Mustard?
- How to Use Mustard Sauces in Cooking
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What is Mustard Really?
What is mustard and where does it come from? Well, mustard is a condiment that is made from the seeds of different mustard plants. The plant belongs to the same family as broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts, and there are quite a lot of different species of mustard plants out there. Mustard seeds can be used as a condiment by themselves, or used to make mustard oil, or prepared mustard we all know and love.
Mustard is typically made by mixing the seeds with vinegar, water, and other spices. The resulting paste is widely used as a condiment or as an ingredient in cooking. Mustard is one of the cheapest condiments out there!
There are several different types of mustard, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular types of mustard include yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and honey mustard.
Mustard is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches and hot dogs to salad dressings and marinades. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, while being one of the cheapest condiments out there.
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Why is Mustard So Cheap?
Mustard is a condiment that is made from a combination of ground mustard seeds, vinegar, water, and other seasonings. One of the reasons why mustard is so cheap is that it is relatively easy and inexpensive to produce. Moreover, mustard seeds are widely available and can be grown in many different regions around the world.
Additionally, the production process for mustard is relatively simple and does not require any expensive equipment or specialized training. As a result, mustard can be produced in large quantities at a low cost, which makes it an affordable condiment for consumers.
The price of mustard can however vary depending on the brand, the type of mustard, and the region where it is sold. There are some “premium” brands of mustard that can be more expensive than your average jar of mustard.
What Different Types & Forms of Mustard Are There?
How many types of mustard exist out there? Well, if you count the less popular variations, then way over 20! Mustard comes in many different varieties, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types and forms of mustard:
Here are all the types of mustard shown on the image above. The first top left photo are the plain white mustard seeds. Then, on the right we have the white mustard.
The next photo on the left depicts the most common type of table mustard with turmeric coloring and right next to it is the Bavarian sweet mustard.
In the bottom left corner you can see the Dijon mustard, and in its close vicinity on the right you can find the rough French mustard.
Aside from these, there is also the mustard oil we mentioned earlier.
And here are some more, this time with Amazon links for your convenience:
| Image & Link | Type of Mustard | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Mustard | The most common type of mustard, made mainly from ground yellow mustard seeds, vinegar, and turmeric. | |
| | Dijon Mustard | Originating in Dijon, France, this mustard is made from brown or black mustard seeds, white wine, and vinegar. It has a sharp, tangy flavor. |
| Spicy Brown Mustard | Made from a combination of brown and yellow mustard seeds, vinegar, and spices, this mustard is ever so slightly more spicy, and has a slightly grainy texture. | |
| | Honey Mustard | A sweet mustard made from a combination of mustard seeds, vinegar, honey, and sometimes other sweeteners like brown sugar or maple syrup. |
| | Whole Grain Mustard | Made from whole mustard seeds, vinegar, and sometimes other spices or herbs, this mustard has a coarse texture and a strong characteristic flavor. |
| … | … | …and then some more! |
Each type of mustard can be used in different ways, depending on the recipe and personal preference. My favorite is the one that’s not listed here – mustard with the addition of jalapeno peppers! Experiment with different types to find your favorite!
Most Popular Recipes Involving Mustard
Mustard is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some quick and short descriptions of the most popular recipes involving mustard:
- Honey Mustard Chicken: A neat chicken dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Mustard-Crusted Salmon: A flavorful and healthy way to enjoy salmon with a crispy mustard crust.
- Deviled Eggs: A classic appetizer made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard.
- Mustard-Glazed Pork Chops: A simple and delicious way to add flavor to simple and plain pork chops.
- Potato Salad: A summer staple made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, and mustard.
- Mustard-Roasted Vegetables: A tasty side dish that can be made with any vegetables you have on hand.
- Grilled Cheese with Mustard: A twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich that adds a tangy flavor.
- Pretzels with Mustard Dip: A popular snack that combines soft pretzels with a spicy mustard dip.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious ways you can use mustard in your cooking.
What Homemade Sauces Can You Make Using Mustard?
Mustard is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of homemade sauces. Here are some popular sauces that use mustard as a key ingredient:
| Sauce Name | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Honey Mustard Sauce | Mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice |
| Mustard Aioli | Mustard, garlic, egg yolks, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper |
| Mustard Vinaigrette | Mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, shallots, garlic, salt, pepper |
These sauces can be used as a dip, dressing, or marinade for a variety of dishes. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find the perfect homemade sauce for your taste buds!
What Food Goes Best With Mustard?
Mustard is more versatile than you think! Here are some of the best and most popular food pairings with mustard:
- Hot dogs and sausages: This is a classic pairing that most people are familiar with, and it’s been used like that for long years.
- Sandwiches: Mustard can be used as a spread on sandwiches instead of mayonnaise, and tastes especially good when paired with meat such as ham or salami.
- Pretzels: Mustard is a popular dip for pretzels, especially soft pretzels. The saltiness of the pretzels pairs well with the sharp flavor of mustard.
- Roast beef: Mustard is a great accompaniment to roast beef.
- Grilled chicken: Mustard can be used as a marinade or a sauce for grilled chicken.
- Cheese: Mustard can be paired with a wide range of cheeses, including cheddar, gouda, and brie. It adds a sharp flavor that complements the creaminess of the cheese if used in smaller amounts.
Overall, mustard is a versatile condiment that can be paired with many different foods. Its slightly spicy flavor can add depth and complexity to many different dishes.
How to Use Mustard Sauces in Cooking
Mustard sauce is a versatile ingredient that just as prepared mustard can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ways to make use of mustard sauce in your cooking:
- Salad dressing: Mix mustard sauce with olive oil, vinegar, and honey to create a original salad dressing.
- Marinade: Use mustard sauce as a marinade for chicken, pork, or fish. Mix it with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for added flavor.
- Sandwich spread: Spread mustard sauce on your favorite sandwich. It pairs well with deli meats, but can also be used with cheese and vegetables.
- Sauce for roasted vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables with a mixture of mustard sauce, olive oil, and lemon juice for a flavorful side dish.
- Glaze for meats: Brush mustard sauce on ham, chicken, or pork during the last few minutes of cooking for a neat and tasty glaze.
As you can see, mustard is not only one of the most widely used and appreciated condiment, but it’s also pretty cheap and there are so many types of mustard available out there! Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find your favorite way to use mustard sauce in your cooking! Until next time!
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