Some Interesting Facts About the Versatile Condiment Mustard

Mustard happens to be a very versatile condiment. It's not just that yellow stuff that was in everyone's refrigerator. It's come into it's own. Remember the "Please pass the Grey Poupon?" ads. Well, Grey Poupon has come up with several new versions of mustard. Harvest Coarse Ground, Hearty Spicy Brown and Savory Honey to name a few.

Mustard comes from mustard seed, something found in every cultures foods. Mustard is mentioned in the Bible and was found in the pyramids of Egypt. It comes from Europe and Asia originally. Mustard itself, the condiment is mentioned in government decrees in France as early as 1306. At that time it was basically the result of ground mustard seeds combined with vinegar. Mr Grey and Mr Poupon joined together to create a machine to crush the seeds in 1777. That mixture was black or brown seed crushed and combined with white wine. That is still the recipe for basic Grey Poupon mustard.

The new flavors first came into the development stage in 2006.

Mustard is now used in all sorts of recipes not just on hot dogs. It's mentioned in songs (Arrowsmith) and in sitcoms (Family Matters).

Varieties of mustard are coarse, spicey, deli/brown, honey, yellow/ballpark, dijon and mixed with horseradish. Now Poupon has come out with the three new tasty versions I mentioned above.

Savory Honey is nice on sandwiches. It's made with a combination of clover honey and spices. Great on Ham. This also makes a terrific dipping mustard. Try it for egg rolls or chicken tenders.

Hearty Spicy Brown has fine diced onions in it as well as horseradish. This one is great on Bratwurst or hamburger.

Harvest Coarse Ground is made with whole mustard seed to give it a special texture and a more intense flavor as well as a good visual appeal. Great in those deviled eggs, on pork or Salmon.

Any of these will really perk up sandwiches, salad dressings or that Baked Ham. They will give your hot dog a whole new angle or do something special for a nice piece of fish.