Dijon mustard originated from the city of Dijon, France, is a type of prepared mustard with brown or black mustard seeds.
The sandwiches you make can taste delicious with a little of this mustard spread on them and it can do the same to sauces and vinaigrettes.
Several French dishes have Dijon mustard as an important ingredient called “à la dijonnaise.” Overall, this pale yellow French mustard is very similar to the typical bright yellow American-style mustard.
What Is Dijon Mustard?
Dijon mustard is a common ingredient in several recipes besides being a popular condiment. This prepared mustard has a creamy texture with pale yellow colors
Most supermarkets have it on sale, usually packaged in squeeze bottles, jars, or sachets. Some of the best-selling brands are Grey Poupon, Maille, and Wish-Bone.
Dijon mustard is classified as vegetarian and gluten-free. Some vegetarians shun it as they suspect the possible use of animal-based fining agents in wine used for making this mustard.
History Of Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard (French: Moutarde de Dijon) originated in Dijon the capital city of the historical Burgundy region in eastern France. The Burgundy region of France is well known for vineyards and winemaking.
As a common cultivation technique, mustard is grown as a cover crop between rows of vines. Mustard plants, rich in biofumigants compounds, naturally destroy the nematode population (microscopic worms) that otherwise harm vines.
From the 12th century AD, Dijon became well-known all over the world for mustard cultivation and mustard condiments. Prepared mustard was a favorite condiment of the French royals from the time of King Philip VI. Today’s standard Dijon mustard originated in 8156 when a chef named Jean Naigeon of Dijon replaced the usual ingredient of vinegar with verjuice, the acidic “green” juice of unripe grapes. However, most Dijon mustards today contain white wine rather than verjuice.
Previously, original Dijon mustard was exclusively made in Dijon, France, and other similar mustard made elsewhere was labeled as “Dijon-style mustard.” Today, however, the name “Dijon Mustard” is generic, thus any prepared mustard made in any part of the world using the standard Dijon recipe is labeled as Dijon Mustard.
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What Is In Dijon Mustard?
Two key ingredients in authentic traditional Dijon mustard are brown mustard seeds and verjuice. In fact, the characteristic flavor of this condiment comes from verjuice which is an acidic ingredient with a bright sour flavor. Currently, most brands of this prepared mustard use white wine and vinegar in place of verjuice. A premium quality Dijon mustard should compulsorily include white wine exclusively produced in the Burgundy region which is made from Chardonnay grapes.
Ingredients:
- Brown/Black Mustard seeds
- White wine
- Vinegar
- Egg yolks
- Garlic
- Onion
- Food starch
- Sugar
- Salt
NB: These are the labeled ingredients in Dijon mustard by Grey Poupon.
Dijon Musta Taste And Uses
Dijon mustard tastes tangy, strong, and sharp with a bit of spiciness. The recipes followed by most brands have ingredients with the lowest acidity levels compared to traditional verjuice. The actual taste of brown mustard stays more supreme in it than other ingredients.
Primarily, Dijon mustard is used as a condiment, most often used as a spread to give a mustard flavor to a dish. For example, it can be smeared on a turkey sandwich, roast beef, or roast chicken. Simply top it on a hot dog, chicken sausage, or seafood roll. Dijon goes well with a pastrami sandwich on rye bread and corned beef.
Dijon is often used as a cooking ingredient in various recipes like sauces and vinaigrettes. Use it in salad dressing for a tangy spicy flavor as well as to increase the thickness of the salad. Try it in barbeque recipes like a rub on the meat to give them a flavorful punch.
Buying And Storage
You can buy Dijon mustard in easily dispensable squeeze bottles, traditional glass jars, and even in handy sachets. More than ever, today Dijon mustard is easily available in most places; thanks to its growing popularity and uses. Look for it in the condiments aisle of a supermarket or grocery store. If you can’t find it there, online purchase of this prepared mustard is a convenient option for you.
Instead of buying, I would recommend making your own Dijon-style mustard. Indeed, it’s easy and simple than you think. As for a simple recipe, grind up the well-soaked mustard seeds and puréeing along with white wine, vinegar, and salt.
Dijon mustard should be preserved in the refrigerator, especially after opening the factory seal of the bottle. However, unopened jars will stay good for two to three years in a cool and dry place in your kitchen cabinet. Always check out the expiry date of the product on the company label; never use it after the expiry date or after the color and taste are gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dijon mustard dairy free?
Dijon mustard usually doesn't have dairy like milk or cheese. But, always look at the ingredients on the label, because some types might have dairy.
Is Dijon mustard keto?
Dijon mustard can be keto, but it depends on the brand. Some have added sugars that aren't keto-friendly. Look for ones with 2 grams or less of net carbs per tablespoon - check the nutrition label to be sure.
Is Dijon mustard whole30?
Dijon mustard fits the Whole30 diet as it's usually free from gluten, dairy, added sugars, and artificial stuff. But, some brands might add non-Whole30 ingredients, so always read the label before buying.
What is stone ground mustard?
Stone ground mustard is made by grinding mustard seeds using a stone mill, creating a rough-textured, strong-flavored spread. It's often tastier and more authentic than smooth mustards, which mix ground seeds, vinegar, and more.
Is stone ground mustard the same as Dijon?
Stone ground mustard is coarser with whole seeds, while Dijon is smoother with only ground seeds. Dijon also usually has a stronger flavor and higher acidity than stone ground mustard, although both are made from brown mustard seeds.
What's in Dijon mustard sauce?
Dijon mustard sauce, great for chicken, fish, beef, and veggies, starts with Dijon mustard thinned with vinegar, wine, or stock. Garlic, herbs, and spices are added for extra flavor.
Is Dijon mustard vegetarian?
Dijon mustard is usually vegetarian but not always. While traditional recipes don't use animal products, some brands might add ingredients like fish bladder protein or egg whites. Always check the label to be sure.
Does Dijon mustard have eggs?
Usually, traditional Dijon mustard doesn't have eggs. But, some brands might use egg whites to make it clearer. Egg whites are often used in foods and drinks like wine, beer, and juices to remove cloudiness and impurities.
How many calories are in Dijon mustard?
A serving size of 2 teaspoons of this mustard contains about 9 calories.
Is Dijon mustard spicy?
Traditional Dijon mustard has a robust flavor profile with intensified heat and pungency. Most brands of Dijon mustards like Grey Poupon or Wish-Bone have low to medium levels of spiciness.
Is Dijon mustard healthy?
It is a healthy condiment with low calories and no cholesterol. This mustard contains a good bit of minerals such as potassium, manganese, selenium, and thiamine.
Is spicy brown mustard the same as Dijon?
They are not the same but similar as both are made from brown mustard seeds. In the process of making, spicy brown mustard seeds are soaked in vinegar whereas Dijon mustard seeds are soaked in white wine or verjuice.
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