If you’re a massive fan of mustard and spices, then you’ll surely love Dijon mustard!
This spicy, tangy mustard is a versatile condiment that you can use in a wide array of dishes.
My go-to Dijon uses include adding it to savory sandwiches, deviled eggs, and buttery sauces and rubs!
What is Dijon mustard?
Dijon mustard is a type of prepared mustard that is widely used as a condiment in sauces and vinaigrettes.
It originated in Dijon, France, hence the name. It has a pale yellow hue, which sets it apart from the typical bright yellow shade of American-style yellow mustard.
Dijon also has a creamy texture and a slight tanginess. You can mostly find it in your local stores packaged in squeeze bottles and jars.
Despite its distinct taste and texture, Dijon mustard also has some noted substitutes in the event that you run out of it.
What does Dijon mustard taste like?
Dijon mustard has a sharp, tangy, and intense flavor. Initially, the Dijon mustard flavor can be a bit spicy on the tongue, but such spiciness soon gives way to a robust and tangy mustard flavor. French brands of Dijon also have floral notes. The best Dijon mustards have a tangy, salty, spicy, and bold flavor, with a creamy thickness.
What’s in Dijon mustard?
Dijon mustard is essentially made with white wine, black, and brown mustard seeds. It also has wine vinegar, seasonings, and verjuice, which is the juice of unripe grapes. Mustard seeds are crushed, ground, and then filtered. The powder is then blended with verjuice, white wine, or vinegar, and water. Some manufacturers use all three. Then seasonings such as salt, lavender, tarragon, and summer savory are added into the mix. Ground turmeric is also added to the mustard to give it that signature yellowish tan.
Dijon mustard uses
There are various ways in which you can use Dijon mustard. If you’re craving a strong Dijon mustard flavor, spread the mustard over toast and have it with a turkey slice. You can also smear it on a hot dog bun or a turkey or roast beef sandwich. It pairs incredibly well with pastrami or corned beef sandwiches as well. Dijon mustard is also quite readily used in many condiments, sauces, and vinaigrettes for salads, meat, fish, and veggies. Other Dijon mustard uses include adding it to salad dressings, BBQ recipes, meat rubs, and more. It also tastes quite delicious in deviled eggs, potato salads, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Is Dijon mustard spicy?
Yes, Dijon mustard usually has a spicy flavor that’s perfectly complemented with a typical mustardy sourness.
Is Dijon mustard vegan?
No, unlike regular mustard, Dijon mustard is not vegan. This is because it is made with white wine, filtered with animal-based fining agents such as gelatin, casein, etc., which makes it non-vegan.
Is spicy brown mustard the same as Dijon mustard?
Even though spicy brown mustard has more or less the same richness and tanginess as Dijon mustard, they aren’t the same.Brown mustard is much spicier than Dijon because it is prepared with a higher concentration of brown and black mustard seed. It’s also brown and has a dominant flavor. Also, unlike Dijon mustard seeds that are soaked in white wine, spicy brown mustard seeds are soaked in vinegar. Spicy brown mustard is also vegan, while Dijon mustard isn’t.
Does Dijon mustard go bad?
Yes, Dijon mustard can go bad eventually, although most of its ingredients are natural preservatives.Usually, an unopened Dijon’s shelf life is anywhere between two to three years past the expiration or best before date printed on the label.After that time, the mustard will start to deteriorate in taste and texture. Open or unsealed Dijon mustard, on the other hand, has a shorter life, and you need to keep it in your fridge.If it’s tightly sealed and protected from moisture, then it can last for around two years. However, before using your stored mustard, always check it for signs of spoilage. If the mustard has an off-putting smell or the mustard jar or bottle has swelled, then throw the mustard away.
The bottom line
Just what is so special about Dijon mustard?
Its tangy, sharp, and distinctive flavor aside, Dijon mustard also boasts a low acidity level which ultimately allows the potency of the mustard seeds to shine through.
Also, Dijon mustard has many uses, ones that should delight the practical consumers.
I hope you enjoyed reading this guide on “What is Dijon Mustard?”