Why does my mustard taste different than normal??

The product mustard

Mustard is a centuries-old product and has a rich history. Mustard seeds are used in the production of mustard. The mustard seed is an important part of the recipe. At each harvest, the composition of the seed may differ slightly compared to other harvest areas and previous harvests. As a result, a difference in taste can also be observed in the mustard that is made with it. These flavor variations are usually quite small.

Development of mustard

A greater effect on the taste is due to the age of the mustard. Fresh mustard is a lot sharper than mustard that is a bit older. Normally the mustard you buy in the store is already several months old and has a full and rich taste. If you buy a jar of mustard that has just been made, it will have a sharper taste. If you buy a jar that is (much) older, it will have a more rounded sharpness. Normally the change in taste is not noticeable, but especially in cases where, for example, supplies in the store quickly run out and new mustard is ordered, you may notice that this mustard has a stronger taste than you are used to. This flavor development is a natural process that is part of mustard and is only noticeable with large differences in age.

The tip

If you store mustard in the refrigerator, the sharp taste will be preserved longer. You can also store a recently purchased jar in the refrigerator. This further slows down the ripening process. If you have a jar that is very "young" and therefore perhaps too sharp, it is best to keep the jar out of the refrigerator for a while.