Mustard is a condiment made from ground mustard seeds. The resulting paste is typically mixed with vinegar and spices to control the strength of the mustard.
There are several varieties of mustard, ranging from mild yellow to spicy Asian, with dijon and brown mustard falling somewhere in between. Yellow mustard, which is what many Americans are accustomed to eating, is made from white mustard seeds, sugar, vinegar and turmeric (which gives it its bright yellow color).http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/mustard.html
Dijon mustard is made with the acidic juice from green grapes in place of vinegar. This method was developed by French merchant Jean Naigeon. Grey Poupon is the best-selling brand of Dijon mustard in the United States, owned by Kraft Foods. Dijon mustard is made from black mustard seeds (which have been hulled), along with white wine and spices.http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/mustard.html
Honey mustard is made from a blend of honey and dijon mustard. This mustard is commonly used as a spread on sandwiches or as a base for dressings when mixed with olive oil or mayonnaise.
Mustard can be used on a number of dishes, typically determined by the heat and variety of the mustard. American yellow mustard is most often used on sandwiches, hot dogs and soft pretzels. Dijon mustard is also sometimes used on sandwiches and snacks, and is the most common choice for salad dressings and dips.
History of Mustard
Mustard was used as a medicine long before it ever entered the human diet. Pythagoras in ancient Greece used it as a treatment for scorpion stings, and notable physician and philosopher Hippocrates used it to help heal a variety of ailments. The first modern-style mustard preparation was created by the ancient Romans, who ground them and then added wine to make a paste.http://homecooking.about.com/od/foodhistory/a/mustardhistory.htm
Mustard and Health
Mustard seeds have a variety of beneficial attributes. Most notable is selenium, a mineral that acts as an anti-inflammatory and may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers. The benefits of mustard, however, will be negligible if they are only added to fatty foods, such as hot dogs.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=106
Salmon with Mustard and Dill Sauce
This video demonstrates how to make grilled salmon with a sauce of mustard and dill. This recipe uses dijon mustard, along with dill, mayonnaise and vinegar, to give the fish a tangy flavor. The recipe is fairly simple to make, and does not take long to prepare.
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
Mustard comes from the seed of the mustard plant
-
Fact:
Mustard was first prepared by the Romans
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
Mustard is very low in calories, with roughly 5 per serving
-
Fact:
Wholegrain mustard includes ground seeds
