Mustard Varieties: A “Must Have” Condiment for All Seasons

Mustard is one of the most popular spices in Germany, especially beloved when it comes to grilling season. A good blob of hot mustard always goes well with a typical German sausage or Bratwurst, no matter what season or weather is just around the corner.

Because it is part of so many different kinds of recipes, it is important to get to know the various type of mustard and what they can be used for.

Mustard Varieties: A "Must Have" Condiment for All Seasons | Foodal.com

Personally, I have my own favorite. As there is a manufacturer in my hometown who makes excellent Iserlohn-= mustard, I would recommend no other sort of spicy paste. But I am trying to stay neutral and give you an overview of the large range of products, varying from mild to hot.

What is it that makes the difference between the different types? And which one is best for which kind of meal?

These are important questions indeed, if you consider a common figure of speech in Germany that can literally be translated as, “to add one’s mustard to something.”

Different kinds of mustard | Foodal.com

This idiom alludes to a person who always tells others his or her opinion without being asked. In past centuries, this phrase indeed referred to real mustard.

Because it was an expensive product, a person added the spice to almost every meal being served – whether it was fitting or not – to flaunt his financial status.

The Plant

Botanically, the plant belongs to the family of crucifers. The flowering plant can easily be mistaken for canola because of its beautiful yellow color.

Mustard Flowers and Seeds | Foodal.com

  • They can grow between 50 and 70 inches.
  • The grains grow in pods and are harvested right before the pods start opening.
  • Canada leads cultivation of brown and yellow mustard seeds.

The seeds consist of approximately 1/3 oil, 1/4 protein, and so-called glycosides, which are responsible for the hot flavor. The seeds themselves are not hot from the beginning, but start to develop their aroma as a result of grinding and through contact with liquids.

Mustard Flowers | Foodal.com

You can easily recreate this process at home. By biting on whole grains, you will taste the flavor after a few moments of chewing, when your saliva has mixed with the glycosides.

A jar of ready-made mustard is hot right from the beginning because it is already mixed and the active substances have already had a chance to react to the liquids.

A mustard’s pungency depends on the amount of seeds as well as the degree of grinding that’s used to make it. While grains of white mustard are quite mild, brown and black ones are used to achieve a hot flavor. The mixing ratio between white, brown and black determines a particular mustard’s flavor and aroma.

History

Originating in a time before we started spicing up our meals in other ways, mustard has been popular for ages. Historically, the plant was also used for medical purposes. Even today, it is known to be antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and useful for stimulating blood flow.

In his ancient work Naturalis Historia, Plinius reports an aphrodisiac effect, while Pythagoras – whom you may know from his famous mathematical equation – tells us that the spice sharpens the mind. I really could have used that advice during some of my geometry classes…

How to Store it

Keep the mustard sealed in jars in a cool and dark place like your fridge. The aroma and flavor will survive for at least a couple of months. Be sure to use a clean spoon or knife when taking some out, so that no foreign substances find their way into the jar.

In the following list, I am going to introduce to you the most common varieties of mustard, their ingredients, their intensity, and some ideas of what to combine them with. I will start with some specialties and proceed with a list of different types, increasing in strength.

Whole Mustard Seeds

Whole seeds can be used for cooking, roasting or marinating. They will develop their full flavor during cooking.

Vecdica Organic Yellow Mustard Seeds available at Amazon

While yellow grains are usually chosen for mixed pickles, you can also grind them for use in mixed spices like homemade curry powder.

Mustard Flour

Also known as dry mustard or mustard powder, mustard flour consists of at least 80% ground seeds, with the possible addition of other spices or herbs.

Colman’s Dry Mustard Powder 16 oz available on Amazon

You mix it with water and use it like regular jarred mustard. This is a common preparation in English cuisine.

Table Mustard Varieties

Besides the possibility of using whole seeds or flour, the most common way of eating mustard is as a paste. The main ingredients of so-called “table mustard” are ground seeds, vinegar, water and salt, and sometimes additional spices.

Types of Mustard | Foodal.com

Most important for the flavor are the proportions of different grains. Furthermore, the degree of grinding and the use of vinegar both influence the intensity as well.

Lots of producers offer a wide range of different products with special ingredients added like garlic, truffles, or horseradish. Sweeter varieties made with honey, berries, or lemon juice are also available. The addition of these flavors makes it possible to find the perfect version for every kind of meal.

Full Grain (Rôtisseur-mustard)

As its name implies, this mustard is coarsely ground and contains lots of whole seeds, too. This is a perfect solution when it comes to cooking.

Ways to use and store mustard | Foodal.com

Because it is not as sensitive to heat as other types, you can even roast or grill it as an ingredients in meat or fish dishes, and keep the aroma and flavor intact. It is perfect to use in a spicy marinade for anyone who likes it a pungent flavor that’s not too fiery.

Dijon

Dijon mustard is named after the city of Dijon in France, where the recipe was originally created in the middle of the 18th century. Strict regulations have always existed to ensure that Dijon is made of either brown or black seeds.

The original version also contains verjuice (the juice of unripened grapes) instead of vinegar.

Amora Dijon Mustard (Amazon) is one of the most common and veristale brands found in French kitchens

This product can be divided into mild, medium and hot varieties. You also have the choice between finely or coarsely ground, and therefore the resulting flavor can include everything from fine and subtle to spicy and aromatic.

Dijon is so versatile to use. As it is produced with verjuice, it is an amazing companion to your next vinaigrette for a fresh green salad. If you ever wanted to make some homemade mayonnaise, infuse with Dijon for a tangy flavor.

English

This variety is really spicy mustard that is made of white and black mustard flour instead of grains.

Colman’s Mustard, 3.53 Ounce (Pack of 6) available at Amazon

There is usually no additional ingredients except spices to create a range of flavored products.

Sweet (Bavarian)

Here in Germany, this version is traditionally eaten in the south. It is usually served with Bavarian sausages or meatloaf, but it can be found in French, Austrian and Scandinavian cuisine, too.

Händlmaier’s Sweet Bavarian Mustard 13.4 Oz / 385 Gr available on Amazon

To achieve the sweet flavor, yellow and brown seeds are coarsely ground, partly roasted and sweetened with sugar, apple sauce or honey.

Lowensenf Bavarian Sweet Mustard, 10.20 Ounce available on Amazon

Due to its flavor, it gives savory meals a nice balance and can also be used for salad dressings.

Mild

This version mostly contains yellow seeds, which give it a delicate taste. It is suitable for sensitive eaters who prefer a more mild variety.

When BBQ season is in, mix some soft butter with herbs, salt and this type of mustard. Form it into a roll, chill and serve sliced alongside your steak or bread.

Medium-Strength

This is also called deli-style mustard, and it is the most popular version here in Germany. It mostly contains white and brown mustard grains and has a fine and subtle aroma.

Hengstenberg Original German Medium Hot Mustard, 8.45 Ounce available on Amazon

It goes well with cold meat and is also a good idea for cold or hot buffets and celebrations, because the balanced flavor is ideal if you are not completely sure about all your guests’ preferences.

An additional idea for snacking: Replace the butter on bread or baguettes with this mustard for a punch of savory flavor!

Hot

Hot mustard consists largely of brown seeds with some yellow ones added. If you like it spicy, this variety might be the right one for you.

Landsberg German Mustard, Hot availalbe on Amazon

It goes perfectly well with sausages or steaks in summer.

Extra-hot

For brave eaters only. Brown grains dominate, bringing a fiery heat. Use a small portion at first and add more as needed. It can ideally be combined with heavy dishes like a roast, but this is an appropriate companion for steaks or ribs too as a replacement for horseradish. 

I do not recommend adding this type to dressings or sauces, because the strong and hot flavor can overpower weaker flavors.

More Ideas

If you need any inspiration for recipes, have a look around and see what you can do with all the different mustard varieties:

Or just stay with the classic use: a nice blob of mustard on your hot dog, sausage or steak when you need that certain something.

About Nina-Kristin Isensee

Nina lives in Iserlohn, Germany and holds an MA in Art History (Medieval and Renaissance Studies). She is currently working as a freelance writer in various fields. She enjoys travel, photography, cooking, and baking. Nina tries to cook from scratch every day when she has the time and enjoys trying out new spices and ingredients, as well as surprising her family with new cake creations.

11 thoughts on “Mustard Varieties: A “Must Have” Condiment for All Seasons”

  1. I knew there were several types of mustard, but wasn’t sure of the differences. I do like the wholegrain mustard which isn’t too strong and I use it in salads as a dressing with olive oil. I also like it in potato salad, but if I eat out I have to look at what it is first as some are just too hot. I like to use it more for flavor instead of a pickle or ketchup, or in a salad it replaces the mayonnaise for me; less calories!

    Reply
    • Indeed, the wholegrain variety is a perfect addition for dressings – or in potato salads. It also looks quite nice in there. I also enjoy using mustard to flavor dips, creams or sauces. It always adds some tangy twist!

      Reply
  2. I like that there is a whole list on the different types of mustard that can be used in cooking. Sadly, I would have a hard time finding most in the grocery store and the ones that are there are really expensive. Since I like hot foods, I tend to mix hot mustard with whatever I’m cooking with, especially with macaroni. I’ve never tried cooking with mustard seeds itself, but it looks like something for my to do list once I have money to afford to good stuff and not some crappy knockoff.

    Reply
    • Yeah, I like to do that, too. It’s always useful to have a jar of mustard at home, because it can be used in more ways than one thinks of at first glance.
      And if you can, you should try to get some mustard seeds and see how you can incorporate them for a nice, new twist.

      Reply
  3. Thanks for this article, I love mustard but I really didn’t know why there was such a great variety of mustard’s. I always attributed the weaker or stronger tasting mustard to some style that was used to make it. Not to the mustard seeds themselves. I do prefer the whole grain mustard but, I am not a fan of sweet mustard as it just seems a little strange to me.

    Reply
    • I agree with you, sweet mustard has indeed an unusual flavor. As I prefer hot and spicy dishes, I like those mustard varieties better, too. The whole grain mustard is just wonderful and I really love its texture in different meals.

      Reply
  4. I never knew Germany was so gung-ho about mustard. I actually thought they liked sauerkraut more. I’m a bit embarrassed with myself now. Looks like I need to take another class in world geography. I never knew mustard plants could get so big. I was considering growing one but I’ll have to think again. The mustard blossoms look absolutely beautiful though. I might have to pick up some mustard flour, that would definitely taste good as the breading for some fried chicken. I’ve never tried English mustard but I love Dijon mustard. It’s a must have with my hot-dogs and sandwiches. I am so tempted to buy the hot mustard off of amazon right now.

    Reply
    • No need to feel embarrassed, I suppose the legend that Germans adore sauerkraut is still widely spread – although it may not represent the whole truth 😉 But mustard is definitely popular, too. Dijon is a wonderful kind, I agree. As I am a hot & spicy-eater, I love hot mustard, as well. So if you like your meals savory and (a bit) fiery, you should have a go!

      Reply
  5. My husband went to London a few years ago and brought back some of that Coleman’s mustard. I absolutely loved it. Even though he wasn’t impressed by it (he loves mustard, I’m so-so about it), I thought it was absolutely amazing…especially with chicken.

    Reply
    • Yeah, Coleman’s is an awesome variety. When I was on vacation in the UK, I brought some home too, because it’s a bit rare to find. I only know one grocery store (more of a delicatessen place) that sells it around where I live. Chicken is wonderful with mustard, I think. Both flavors go so well together.

      Reply
  6. Wow. Okay, confession time: I did not even know mustard came from a plant. That fact just blows my mind. That being said, there is tons of information in this article that I have never even thought of before. Powdered mustard?! Who knew. We usually always buy regular yellow mustard, and of course, dijon mustard!

    Reply

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.