Mustard

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Mustard is one of the most popular sauces in the world and a constant companion with ketchup and mayonnaise when it comes to seasoning sandwiches, meats and various salads. As a rule, mustard is a spice that is prepared from powdered mustard seeds with the addition of vinegar, salt, water and oil.

This magnificent and favorite of many of us mustard sauce has a yellowish to brownish color and different texture (smooth, grainy and caviar-like) depending on the type of mustard seeds and the type of mustard itself. Characteristic of mustard is its sharp, slightly or very spicy taste, which is easily blunted in combination with various products - bread, meat, vegetables, etc.

There are three types of mustard seeds - black, brown and yellow. Traditionally, black mustard is used in Indian cuisine, and brown and yellow are most commonly consumed in Europe. The mustard of yellow or white mustard seeds is spicy on the tongue, while the sharp taste of the black-brown seed sauce reaches the nose, even the eyes and forehead.

Its intense taste often causes the appearance of small droplets of intestinal sweat. As a result, soft mustard is produced mainly from white mustard, while strong and sharp - from darker species.

Mustard is often prepared by mixing different types of mustard seeds, the taste is balanced with water, salt, vinegar and oil. In some types of mustard, mostly cheaper, there is often an addition of starch to give a thick consistency, which can be defined as a bad practice.

The mustard belongs to the "Cruciferous" family and has been known to people since 3000 years ago. It has dark green edible leaves and reaches a height of about 70-80 cm in height. Mustard leaves have a pleasant pepper smell, while the bright yellow flowers smell of the characteristic smell of horseradish. Horseradish originally grows only in Europe.

The French do not distinguish between the plant and the mustard sauce itself, for which there is one common word - moutarde (mustard, mustard). In England, the sauce and mustard are known as mustard. The etymology of the word probably comes from the Romans, who mixed unfermented grape juice (must) with ground mustard seeds and received the so-called "Burning must", called "mustum ardens", whence the name "mustard".

History of mustard

Mustard production has been in full swing and almost uninterrupted since 3,000 BC. It is traditionally part of Indian cuisine, and although mustard is known in ancient Rome and Greece, it has not enjoyed much popularity. The first mustard recipe appeared in the year 42 BC, when the Gauls proved to be culinary innovators. Over time, mustard making gained more popularity until the 9th century, when its production was one of the main sources of income for monasteries in France.

As for the famous Dijon mustard, the story tells how Pope John XXII (1249-1334) made the French city of Dijon the only producer of mustard until 1752. Nowhere else was its production allowed. In the 14th century in Avignon, Pope John XXII established the post of "first master of papal mustard", and in the 16th century under Clement VI he won the title of "great papal master of mustard". In the 16th century, Jean Naigeon introduced vinegar from unripe grapes instead of sour juice to make mustard, which significantly softened its taste.

Types of mustard

Mustard is available on the market in sharp and soft varieties. Among the sharpest mustards is the Chinese, which is made from black mustard with the addition of low-alcohol beer or water. No less spicy is the English mustard, in which turmeric and flour are added. We have already mentioned that the famous Dijon mustard is prepared with the addition of white wine or vinegar + black pepper. German mustard from Dusseldorf, French sweet and sour mustard and light American mustard are mildly flavored species.

The main types of mustard are:

Dijon mustard (Moutarde de Dijon) - it enjoys great fame on the Old Continent. It accounts for half of the world's mustard production and in France alone there are over 20 varieties of this popular mustard seed sauce;

Bavarian mustard - it is characterized by an interesting caramel taste;

Russian mustard - is considered the sharpest and sharpest mustard flavor is complemented by strong vinegar;

American mustard - it is a soft mustard and is the most liquid type, prepared from white mustard seeds and a lot of sugar;

Retro mustard - in England it is practiced under the name Mustard according to an ancient recipe. It is made from lightly crushed mustard seeds mixed with apple juice or vinegar and has a granular structure;

Fruit mustard (mostarda di frutta) - this is an interesting representative from Italy, which includes fruit particles from apples, lemons, oranges, tangerines, pears and more. fruits wrapped in a spicy mustard mixture, honey, spices and white wine. prepared in a spicy sauce of mustard powder, white wine, honey and spices.

Honey mustard - a nice spice with a hint of honey.

Mustard composition

Mustard contains enviable amounts of vitamins and trace elements. Mustard seed oil contains large doses of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin V and some B vitamins. It is considered one of the most useful vegetable oils and a powerful antiseptic.

The composition of mustard seed oil also contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, which are very useful for the liver. The combination of useful ingredients in mustard can help protect ourselves from atherosclerosis, remove any other ring and preserve youth for a longer time.

Selection and storage of mustard

Choose mustard, on the label of which there is a clearly mentioned manufacturer with an expiration date. Store the mustard in the refrigerator, tightly closed.

Culinary application of mustard

The making of mustard at home is as easy as child's play. To do this, you need to mix mustard seed powder with a little oil, vinegar, salt, sugar and some spices to taste. Boil this mixture with constant stirring and after aging for 2-3 days, consume with pleasure or put mustard in your dishes.

Once upon a time the preparation of mustard Dried mustard seeds were used, which were crushed and poured with wine or vinegar to ferment. To this day, the principle of preparation of the popular sauce is the same, varying only the additives - must of unripe grapes, beer, wine, vinegar, lightly fermented apple and spices. In different types of mustard you can find the taste and aroma of cinnamon, cloves, saffron, turmeric, black pepper, onion, garlic, honey, various fruits and even anchovies.

In addition to seasoning sandwiches, pizzas and salads, mustard is part of various sauces and marinades. It goes well with almost all types of meat, sausages and is excellent for side dishes. In Italy, fruit mustard is used to season various meats, prepare many stews, pasta sauces, etc.

Benefits of mustard

In addition to being delicious, mustard is good for health and suitable for beautification. Many centuries ago, it was used as a medicine for scorpion bites, for example. Today, even medicine pronounces and claims that a teaspoon of mustard a day can significantly help digestion and get rid of constipation. Mustard sauce is recommended for diabetes because it has the ability to lower blood sugar as long as it is not prepared with the addition of more sugar.

There is evidence that mustard seeds benefit women who want to get pregnant because it increases fertility. Mustard compresses on the forehead can help with headaches, and a decoction of mustard seeds, consumed several times a day for 20 days, will help you cope with depression and restore good mood.

If you suffer from sinusitis, lightly smear mustard around the nose and temples every day without rubbing it. This procedure should be applied for several weeks. There is evidence that mustard can relieve asthma and inflammation of the lungs, and help you deal with kidney stones. It also has a beneficial effect on rheumatism, gout. Mustard has been proven to improve blood circulation and has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.

Mustard seed sauce is also excellent for beauty treatments, as it is used to prepare various masks for hair and skin. To prepare such a nourishing hair mask with mustard, you need to carve the crust soft part of 1 rye bread.

Soak it in hot water and stir until a paste. Add 1 tbsp to the porridge. almond oil, 1 tsp. honey, 1 tsp. mustard and 1 egg yolk. Mix everything well and apply to the roots of the hair and scalp. The head is wrapped in a towel and so you have to stay for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Then wash your hair thoroughly with a mild shampoo.

Harms from mustard

There are known risks if you overdo it with the consumption of mustard and mustard, respectively. An allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, bradycardia and in some cases even loss of consciousness may occur. The regular consumption of mustard and mustard products is not recommended for people with stomach ulcers, acute gastroenterocolitis, allergies, kidney problems and varicose veins.