Mustard is a very popular condiment all over the world and a particular kind of it that most people enjoy is Dijon.
But you may be wondering what sets it apart from other types of mustard. So what exactly is Dijon mustard? I looked into it and here’s what I found out!
What Is Dijon Mustard?
Dijon mustard is traditionally made of brown mustard seeds, verjuice, and salt. It originated in the town of Dijon in the eastern part of France. It was once a “protected designation of origin” and other mustard in likeness but produced from anywhere else had to be called Dijon-style, and not just Dijon mustard.
If you want to know what makes Dijon so unique and tasty, keep reading!
What Is Dijon Mustard Made Of?
Dijon mustard is usually made up of whole brown mustard seeds, distilled white wine or wine vinegar, water, and salt.
Some recipes may add granulated sugar for more flavor depth and opt to use apple cider vinegar rather than just white vinegar.
Traditional Dijon mustard, however, uses verjuice, a crucial ingredient that gives Dijon its tart flavor.
What Is Dijon Mustard Used For?
Typically used as a condiment, Dijon mustard can top a hotdog or be smeared on a roast beef or turkey sandwich for a more potent mustard flavor.
Additionally, Dijon mustard can be used as a spread on rye bread with pastrami or corned beef.
But more than just a condiment, Dijon mustard is also used as a key ingredient to sauces. Salad dressings are usually infused with Dijon for a bit of tang and spice, and vinaigrettes also benefit from the strong flavors.
Are All Dijon Mustard The Same?
There are several types of Dijon mustard nowadays and they all differ in at least an ingredient or two, in texture, and in preparation. But most of the basics are kept quite similar.
For instance, most Dijons regardless of type are always made of brown or black mustard seeds and almost always contain white wine or verjuice.
What Is The Difference Between Dijon And Regular Mustard?
At first glance, the most obvious difference is the color. Dijon is a muted yellow tinged with a bit of brown, while regular mustard or yellow mustard is, well, yellow.
Second, the ingredients of the two are very different. Regular mustard is made of powdered mustard seeds and a mix of spices. It has a milder flavor too.
Dijon, on the other hand, is made of brown or black mustard seeds which are a lot more flavorful.
As a result, it has a very distinctive tangy flavor making it much more complex than regular mustard.
What Is Whole Grain Dijon Mustard?
Whole grain Dijon mustard is usually made with whole and lightly ground brown and yellow mustard seeds.
These result in whole-grain Dijon mustard having a chunkier consistency than plain Dijon mustard.
Additionally, the brown and yellow whole mustard seeds also give the whole grain Dijon a speckled appearance that differs from the dull yellow one of plain Dijon.
What Is Honey Dijon Mustard?
Honey Dijon mustard is another variant of Dijon made with honey, white wine or verjuice, onion, garlic, dry mustard, and sometimes dashes of Tabasco sauce.
Some recipes may also add cayenne pepper or mayonnaise for more variety and depth of flavor.
What Is Country Dijon Mustard?
Country Dijon is a blend of Dijon mustard and coarse ground mustard. Its texture is a bit coarser than plain Dijon but smoother than whole-grain Dijon.
This mix of fine and coarse mustard seeds adds a homemade and rustic feel to this mustard.
What Is Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard?
This brand of mustard is a mix of whole-grain mustard and plain Dijon.
Grey Poupon is a partnership between two award-winning mustard manufacturers, Maurice Grey and Auguste Poupon.
Like the classic Dijon, Grey Poupon mustard is made with brown mustard seeds. The taste and texture are elevated because of the mix of the chunky whole grain mustard.
What Is A Good Substitute For Dijon Mustard?
Although Dijon mustard has a very unique flavor profile, not everyone enjoys its heat.
As for the taste, most Dijon substitutes are those within the mustard family with milder flavors. But there are even more alternatives beyond them.
1. Honey Mustard
Honey mustard is a good substitute if you prefer the sweetness to the heat and spice of Dijon.
2. Yellow Mustard
Yellow mustard is also a great substitute as it is almost always readily available. However, you might want to lessen the amount you add to dishes since it is a bit sourer in taste.
3. Wasabi
This Japanese spice is an excellent substitute for your Dijon mustard. The heat and the kick of wasabi offer the same as that of Dijon, albeit a bit stronger.
4. Horseradish Sauce
Yet another great replacement is horseradish sauce. Its sweet and spicy flavor can replicate the tang of Dijon on most people’s palettes.
5. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise, in some cases, can also replace Dijon since it has the same creamy, tangy quality and the same acidity from vinegar. However, it is not as complex in flavor.
6. Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce, a tangy and strong flavored liquid condiment, is also an alternative that can mimic the flavor of Dijon. However, because it is a loose liquid, extra care should be taken when adding it.
What Is Dijon Mustard Sauce?
Any sauce that you add Dijon mustard to is a Dijon mustard sauce and can vary from dressings to vinaigrettes.
Sauces that accompany a dish sometimes benefit from the strong and tangy taste of Dijon to balance the flavors out.
Is Dijon Mustard Vegan?
Yes, Dijon mustard is vegan. It contains mostly only mustard seeds, vinegar, and salt.
However, some people argue that the white wine used in most flavored Dijon mustards may be processed using animal-based fining agents or by-products.
Moreover, some types of Dijon may add honey or refined sugar to the mix, thereby disqualifying it as vegan by certain people’s standards.
If you want to learn more about mustard, you can see our related posts about mustard mayonnaise, what whole grain mustard is, and why mustard burns your nose.
Conclusion
Dijon mustard has a lot to offer in terms of variety and flavor. This mustard is not only limited to one kind and flavor but a lot more than most people know.
The possibilities of food pairings that involve this condiment are endless, as Dijon mustard can give so much depth and kick to several recipes.