What is mustard and what can you do with it??

What is mustard?

You probably have a jar in your kitchen cupboard, but what exactly is mustard? It is a popular condiment made from mustard seeds, vinegar, water and salt. Sugar, honey, herbs and/or spices are added to this product to taste, so there are different types on the market. Consider, for example, the well-known sharp Dijon mustard, mild French mustard, the whole grained Groningen mustard and the sweet variant with honey. The taste can vary from mild to spicy, depending on which ingredients are used and of course the preparation method.

Where do you buy it?

Mustard is widely available and you can buy it at any supermarket. But did you know that it is a local product? We have been making it in the Netherlands for many years and one of the best-known makers is Marne Mosterd. A family business that has been around for over 128 years and sells a wide range of mustard.

What does mustard taste like?

Now that we know what mustard is, we can explain what it tastes like. It has a typical sharp taste ranging from mild to spicy. How sharp the product tastes depends on the type of mustard seed used. The most commonly used varieties are yellow mustard seed, brown mustard seed and oriental mustard seed. Most mustard makers use a mix of different mustard seeds for their products. In addition to the type of mustard seed used, the preparation method has a major influence on the taste. For example, the seeds for one type are ground more coarsely than for the other type. The Limburg variant is extra special, where the mustard seeds are not ground but are soaked in vinegar. This allows them to retain their shape and gives the seeds a unique flavor explosion in your mouth.

How can you replace it?

It is a classic seasoning that cannot be compared with any other product due to its typical taste. If you want to replace it, horseradish is the best option. The taste will be slightly different, but it will still add a sharp touch to your dish. To achieve the same mouthfeel you could possibly add some mayonnaise.

What can you do with it?

Mustard is a seasoning and is widely used in cooking. For example, as a basis for sauces, dressings, marinades, but also as a dip for various dishes such as cheese, croquettes, bitterballen and meatballs. It is not without reason that mustard is often served with snacks. Eating mustard with a fatty meal makes the food digest better. This is because mustard seed has an emulsifying effect. This means that fat and water are bound together in your abdomen. This allows the fats to be better digested. So it is no coincidence that at the snack bar you always get a little mustard with your croquette and that in the Netherlands we have the well-known saying 'mustard after the meal'. But mustard is not only tasty with savory dishes. Surprisingly, it also goes very well with sweet flavors like strawberry, try it!