Mustard is a famous food condiment used in many foods. There are a few different types of mustard with different colors and flavor profiles that you might have in your kitchen cabinet. Some of the most popular types are Dijon mustard and yellow mustard.
They are both yellow in color, but with different shades. Dijon mustard has a pale yellow color, while yellow mustard has a bright yellow color. So apart from the color,can you tell the difference between them? This article will explore the differences between Dijon mustard and yellow mustard. Read on!
What is Dijon mustard?
Dijon mustard is a condiment that first gained popularity in the city of Dijon in France. It is made from brown and white mustard seeds and white wine. Verjuice is another ingredient added to the mustard,adding a tart flavor. The result is tangy, sharp-tasting, pale yellow or dark brown mustard. Dijon mustard is best in salad dressings, meats, sauces, sandwiches and marinades.
What is Dijon mustard made of?
Dijon mustard is a blend of ground mustard seeds, white wine, and vinegar. The ground mustard seeds, which are grown or black in color, give the mustard its distinctive flavor and zing. The white wine and vinegar help to dissolve the ground mustard seed and create the desired consistency. Traditional Dijon mustard is yellow in color due to the strained whole grain mustard. Straining is done to remove the skins and keep the gold spread only.
What makes Dijon mustard
Dijon mustard is made from brown or black mustard seeds. The seeds are ground into a powder mixed with white wine from the Burgundy region. Traditional Dijon included verjuice. Salt, sugar, egg yolks, garlic, onions, and modified food starch are other ingredients used.
What does Dijon mustard look like?
Dijon mustard is typically pale yellow color and has a smooth, slightly creamy consistency.It is also pasty and does not have a watery base since it doesn’t have too much vinegar.
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What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
Have you run out of Dijon mustard? Worry not! There are other tasty mustard substitutes to try in your recipes. Some of them include:
- Yellow mustard
Yellow mustard is a common condiment from ground mustard seeds, vinegar, water, and salt. It has a mildly sweet, tart, and acidic flavor. Alternate it in your recipe in the ratio of 1:1.
- Stone ground mustard/ Homemade mustard
Stone ground mustard is made by grinding whole brown mustard seeds using a mortar and pestle. The mustard has a coarse texture and a milder taste than Dijon mustard. It matches well in dressings and marinades.
- Wasabi
Wasabi is a well-known spice. It is a great substitute for Dijon mustard in meats and sandwiches.
- Spicy brown mustard
Spicy brown mustard is mixed with cumin, turmeric, and paprika. It has a zesty and bolder flavor than yellow mustard. When substituting it for Dijon, always use a lesser amount than what the recipe calls for.
- Hot English mustard
Hot English mustard is spicy brown mustard made from different colored mustard seeds. It’s also spicy hot, with higher heat-producing spices like cayenne pepper. It is great in sauces and gravies.
- Horseradish sauce
Horseradish sauce is made from horseradish root, vinegar, and salt, giving it a strong, pungent flavor similar to Dijon sauce. It can be used to roast beef, fish, or lamb. Mix it with cream or honey to bring out the best flavors.
- German mustard
German mustard is made with coarsely ground black pepper,vinegar, and spices. It matches well with sausages, hotdogs, wursts, and baked pretzels.
- Worcestershire sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a famous sauce made from fermented molasses, anchovies, vinegar, sugar, onions, garlic, water, and spices. It has a bold flavor similar to Dijon sauce. It is great with marinades and meat dishes. It has high liquid content,which might affect your recipe.
- Lecithin powder
Lecithin powder is an emulsifier that is used to thicken and stabilize sauces. It doesn’t add too much flavor, but you can always get other spices and mix them to add flavor.
- Beer mustard
Beer mustard has a deep flavor that substitutes Dijon as a dipping sauce.
- Egg yolk
Did your recipe call for Dijon for thickening? Worry not. Egg yolks or egg yolk powder can add creamy thickness and yellow color to your food.
- Honey mustard
This mustard issweeter than Dijon mustard and pairs well with chicken, pork, dressings, and marinades.
- Whole grain mustard
The whole grain mustard flavor is similar to Dijon mustard. Its texture is different as the seeds are not crushed, resulting in a coarse mustard paste. It pairs well with marinades, dips, dressings, and meats.
What is yellow mustard?
You are probably familiar with yellow mustard, a bright yellow condiment often used on hot dogs and hamburgers. It is also called American mustard or regular mustard. It gets its color from yellow and white mustard seeds.
Some manufacturers also add turmeric, a spice famously used in Indian cuisine. It also contains vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Yellow mustard is unsurprisingly quite tangy and acidic. It also has a slightly sweet taste thanks to the sugar added. It can be used in marinades,dressings, sandwiches, and barbecue sauces.
Dijon mustard versus yellow mustard
The main difference between Dijon mustard and yellow mustard is the ingredients used, which also bring a difference in flavor. Dijon mustard has a sharp, tangy taste that is more flavorful than yellow mustard. The color of Dijon mustard is pale yellow, while yellow mustard has a bright yellow color.
Difference between Dijon mustard and yellow mustard
Dijon mustard comes in different varieties with different seeds and seasonings. But what other factors help you distinguish Dijon mustard from yellow mustard? Let’s understand some differences between these two.
- Where they are made
Dijon mustard originated in the city of Dijon in France. Yellow mustard, on the other hand, is made in America or anywhere in the world. Dijon is the only place Dijon mustard can be made as it is protected by royal decree.
- Color
Dijon mustard is pale yellow in color, while yellow mustard has a bright yellow color.
- Seeds
Dijon mustard is made with brown mustard seeds, while yellow mustard is made with yellow and white mustard seeds.
- Flavor
Dijon mustard has a sharp, tangy, and intense flavor. Yellow mustard is not as flavorful.
Dijon mustard nutrition facts
Dijon mustard is a great addition to your recipes. A teaspoon of 5.4 g of Dijon mustard serves:
| Ingredients | Qty |
| Calories | 3.1 |
| Total fat | 0.2g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 135mg |
| Potassium | 7.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0.3g |
| Dietary fiber | 0.2g |
| Sugars | 0.1g |
| Protein | 0.2g |
| Vitamin A | 0.1% DV |
| Vitamin C | 0% |
| Calcium | 0.3% DV |
| Iron | 0.5% DV |
Yellow mustard nutritional facts
Yellow mustard is a versatile condiment. A 5g teaspoon serves: –
| Ingredients | Qty |
| Calories | 3.0 |
| Total fat | 0.2g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 55mg |
| Potassium | 7.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0.3g |
| Dietary fiber | 0.2g |
| Sugars | 0.1g |
| Protein | 0.2g |
| Vitamin A | 0.1% DV |
| Vitamin C | 0% |
| Calcium | 0.2% DV |
| Iron | 0.5% DV |
Frequently asked questions
What makes Dijon mustard spicy?
The acidity of the liquid (verjuice) helps to give Dijon mustard its characteristic spicy flavor. The juice’s acidity slows down the reaction that brings the intense heat of mustard. If you use less acidic juice, your mustard will have a more robust flavor. While Dijon mustard can be used in any dish that calls for mustard, it is particularly well-suited for vinaigrettes and sauces.
What can I use if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
If you’re out of Dijon mustard and in need of a substitute, there are several options you can use. German mustard is good all-purpose mustard that can be used in many recipes. Worcestershire sauce has an intense flavor that can add depth to a dish. If you want something unique, try using beer mustard or hot English mustard. These mustards have a deeper flavor that enhances the taste of your favorite foods.
What is mustard powder
Mustard powder is made from ground mustard seeds. It has a hot and spicyflavor,but the taste may vary depending on the type of mustard seeds used. Mustard powder is essential to add flavor and spice to your favorite recipes. It matches well with dry rubs for meats and can be added to soups and stews for flavor boost.
Final Words:
Both Dijon mustard and yellow mustards are great condiments made from mustard seeds. The only way they differ is Dijon mustard has a pale yellow color while yellow mustard has a bright yellow color. In terms of taste, Dijon mustard has a more powerful tangy flavor than yellow mustard.