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The Wonderful Ingredient – Dijon Mustard
The wonderful ingredient that is Dijon Mustard can be used in a variety of different ways. It can be used on its own, or together with other ingredients. However, do you know the history behind this interesting ingredient? What’s the difference between regular mustard and Dijon? Find out more in this article.
What Is Dijon Mustard?
Dijon mustard is a variation of the various styles of mustard, prepared in the French city of Dijon. It can be described as a pale, brownish-yellow, as compared to the regular vibrant yellow of American-style mustard. It is sold both in jars and squeeze bottles, and can be used on its own as a condiment or as an ingredient in recipes. Additionally, mustard is vegan and a suitable way to spice up bland food.
Origins Of Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard originated in the city of Dijon, which is the capital of the Burgundy region of France in the eastern part of the country. Mustard is grown in vineyards as a cover crop beneath the rows of vines, providing nutrients to the vines when it is plowed under. In order not to allow the white grapes that grew in the vineyards in abundance to go to waste, the frugal French housewives decided to use it to make verjuice. Verjuice is the sour juice of unripe grapes and helps to boost the taste of Dijon mustard. By the 1200s, Dijon, France, was recognized as a significant area for mustard making and is now regarded as the mustard capital of the world.
What Is Dijon Made Of?
Brown mustard seeds and white wine are used for Dijon mustard. One of the most crucial ingredients in traditional Dijon mustard is verjuice, which gives it the characteristic sharp and bright flavour. What’s best is that Dijon mustard can also add a ton of flavour to your food, without adding too many calories. 1 teaspoon only has 3 calories? Using mustard instead of mayonnaise can be a wonderful way to spice up your meals while watching your weight. A win-win!
Some of the most common ingredients found in Dijon mustard are:
- Verjuice
- Mustard Seed
- Modified Food Starch
- Sugar
- Salt
- Egg yolks
- White wine
- Garlic
- Onions
Dijon VS American-style mustard
- Location: Most clearly, the main difference is where the mustard is produced. Dijon mustard is produced in France, Dijon, but American-style mustard is produced in America. Dijon mustard is even protected by royal decree in France, and any mustard that does not originate from Dijon is not authentic.
- Taste: Compared to American-style mustard, Dijon is much stronger, richer and creamier than American mustard. It also packs a hefty punch in terms of its taste, with a sharp tangy, spice to it.
- Salt: American mustard has a lower salt content as compared to Dijon mustard. When you are preparing foods or having Dijon on the side, just take note to lower the salt content in your food. This is important information especially for anyone that is trying to reduce sodium intake.
- Consistency: American mustard has a smooth, lighter texture with less viscosity. It can be squeezed out of a bottle and had together with any other foods you’d like. Dijon mustard can sometimes be much grainier, with the number of brown mustard seeds in it. Dijon mustard comes in both squeeze bottles and jars. To enjoy the rich flavour, Dijon mustard can be spread on other foods.
Storage
Ready to get yourself some Dijon mustard? Just take note of how to store it. Once you’ve opened the jar, store it in the refrigerator. It will last one year past the best-buy date. Unopened jars can even keep 2 to 3 years past the best-buy date, as long as it is kept in a cool and dry place.
Get Some Dijon Today!
We hope you’ve enjoyed some of the Dijon mustard trivia we’ve introduced today. If you’re curious and would like to explore the magnificent flavour of Dijon, try our Honey Dijon Snippets today.