What Makes A Mustard Dijon?

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You’ve come to the right place to learn more about dijon. Yes, that’s exactly a conundrum at times. Is there a difference between plain yellow mustard and Dijon mustard? Yes. There’s a difference in the wonderful tangy flavor you get from consuming it. So, What is it that makes a Dijon?

Like many other foods and drinks that obtained their namesake from a specific location, but don’t have to be made in that location, this wonderful mustard does not have to be made in Dijon, France. 

What Makes A Mustard Dijon

In fact, most of the world’s Dijon mustard is not made in Dijon, France.  
 
What makes a mustard Dijon? Well, all mustard is made by mixing ground mustard seeds (white, yellow, brown, or black) with vinegar, water, grape must, and other liquids. What makes a mustard a “Dijon mustard” is the use of wine must and white wine which in combination with brown and/or black mustard seeds, cloves, cinnamon and other spices and herbs give Dijon mustard its distinctive tangy flavor.

This creamy mustard in consistency is light yellow in color and is a popular condiment found in most every supermarket. It comes in squeeze bottles as well as glass jars. One of the most popular brands is Gray Poupon Dijon. It is known for the 1980’s retro commercial with the famous line, “Pardon me, do you have any Gray Poupon?”

Gray Poupon Ingredients:
water
vinegar
mustard seed
salt
white wine
sugar
spices

Dijon, France became well known for producing mustard in the 1200’s and is now regarded as the mustard capital of the world. The region is has also been a significant producer of wines. And in order to keep the weeds down around the grape vines, mustard is used a cover crop under the grape vines.

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Sarah
Sarah is known for her extra fancy yeast breads, melt in your mouth pies, and everything salads. She has won awards as a home cook, and is passionate about helping others feel smarter in the kitchen. Sarah is the cooking genius of the sister duo.

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