You don’t have to be an expert in French cuisine to know that Dijon mustard is a big deal all over the world. But why is it so popular? Keep reading to find out.
A Brief History of Dijon Mustard
The first thing to know about Dijon mustard is that its history goes back to the Middle Ages.
Dijon is a city in eastern France whose claim to fame is its mustard. People from Dijon are so serious about mustard that they claim that the word “mustard” itself was born in their city.
While most experts point out that the word mustard comes from Latin mustum (in English “must,” freshly pressed grape juice), people from Dijon believe that the term comes from King Phillip III’s motto “Mout me tarde.”
Linguistic controversies aside, Dijon mustard obtained its characteristic taste around 1742, when an inhabitant of Dijon named Jean Naijeon began using verjuice (the sour juice of unripe apples) instead of vinegar for his mustard. A legendary condiment was born.
Why Is Dijon Mustard so Popular?
For one thing, Dijon mustard boasts a rich, interesting history, as we saw in the previous section.
But of course, it takes more than history for a condiment to become so popular. It must also bring something to the table, in a literal sense.
In the case of Dijon mustard, that extra something is a tangy, hot taste and a thick consistency that set it apart from regular mustard.
Some common —and delicious— ways to use Dijon mustard include:
- Sandwich spread
- Vinaigrette
- Marinade
- As a rub for pork roast
- Sauces
If you want to experience all the goodness of Dijon mustard without having to cook, try our baked salmon with garlic Dijon, or check out our weekly menus for more delicacies that will delight your senses!
More Interesting Food Facts
At Chef Gourmet, we know good food, and we love sharing that knowledge with you. If we have whetted your appetite for interesting food facts, here are some previous posts you may find interesting:
- Some interesting facts about mango
- 4 Reasons to love green beans
- 4 Spooky dishes to celebrate Halloween
- What is jasmine rice?
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