Imagine you’re at a classic American diner, enjoying a juicy burger topped with all the fixings. When it comes to mustard, you have a choice: reach for the yellow mustard or the Dijon. But what if you’re at a British pub, which mustard do you choose?
English mustard and American mustard are two popular condiments that are often used interchangeably. However, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we’ll compare and contrast English and American mustard, so you can decide which one is right for you.
What is English Mustard?
English mustard is made from ground yellow mustard seeds that have been mixed with water and vinegar. It has a strong, pungent flavour and a bright yellow colour.
English mustard is often used in sandwiches, salads, and dressings. It can also be added to marinades and sauces to give them a bit of extra kick.
Some popular brands of English mustard include Colman’s, Cole’s, and Maille.
What is American Mustard?
American mustard is also made from ground yellow mustard seeds, but it typically contains more vinegar and less water than English mustard. This gives it a milder flavour and a brighter yellow colour.
American mustard is often used as a condiment on hot dogs, hamburgers, and sandwiches. It is also a popular ingredient in potato salads and barbecue sauces.
Some popular brands of American mustard include French’s, Heinz, and Grey Poupon.
5 Differences Between English Mustard and American Mustard
Here are five differences between English mustard and American mustard that you might not know.
1. Taste
English mustard has a strong, pungent flavour that is often described as being “hot” or “sharp.” This is because English mustard is made with a higher proportion of ground yellow mustard seeds, which contain more myrosinase, the enzyme that gives mustard its heat.
American mustard, on the other hand, is typically made with a blend of yellow and brown mustard seeds, which gives it a milder flavour. American mustard may also contain sugar or other sweeteners, which further mellows out the flavour.
2. Colour
English mustard is bright yellow, while American mustard is a lighter yellow colour. This is because English mustard contains more turmeric powder, which gives it a deeper yellow hue.
Turmeric is a spice that is commonly used in Indian cuisine, and it is also used to colour many other foods, such as butter and margarine. American mustard typically does not contain turmeric, so it has a lighter yellow colour.
3. Ingredients
The main ingredients in English mustard are ground yellow mustard seeds, water, vinegar, and turmeric powder. American mustard typically contains the same ingredients, but it may also contain sugar, salt, and other spices. Some brands of American mustard may also contain artificial colours and flavours.
Here is a more detailed list of the ingredients in each type of mustard:
English mustard:
- Ground yellow mustard seeds
- Water
- Vinegar
- Turmeric powder
American mustard:
- Ground yellow mustard seeds
- Water
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Other spices (optional)
- Artificial colours and flavours (optional)
4. Brands
Colman’s is the most popular brand of English mustard, and it is also the oldest mustard brand in the world. It has been making mustard since 1814. Colman’s mustard is known for its strong, pungent flavour.
Some popular brands of English mustard include:
- Colman’s
- Cole’s
- Maille
- Tracklements
- Stokes
French’s is the most popular brand of American mustard. It is also one of the oldest mustard brands in the United States, having been founded in 1904. French’s mustard is known for its mild, mellow flavour.
Some popular brands of American mustard include:
- French’s
- Heinz
- Grey Poupon
- Gulden’s
- Plochman’s
Grey Poupon is another popular brand of American mustard. It is known for its Dijon mustard, which is made with brown mustard seeds and white wine. Grey Poupon mustard has a sharp, tangy flavour.
5. Names
The names “American mustard” and “English mustard” were used to distinguish these two types of mustard from other types of mustard that were available at the time, such as French mustard and German mustard.
The names were also used to reflect the geographic origins of these two types of mustard.
American mustard is called American mustard because it is the most popular type of mustard in the United States. It is also known as yellow mustard or ballpark mustard.
English mustard is called English mustard because it originated in England.
Final Thoughts from UK vs. USA
English mustard and American mustard are two delicious condiments that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. If you’re looking for mustard with a strong, pungent flavour, then English mustard is the way to go. If you’re looking for a mustard with a milder, more mellow flavour, then American mustard is a better choice.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which mustard you like is to try them both and see which one you prefer. If you liked our guide to English mustard and American mustard, why not check out our article about gravy?
English Mustard vs. American Mustard FAQ:
Is Dijon mustard and English mustard the same?
Dijon mustard is a type of French mustard that is made from brown mustard seeds. It has a slightly different flavour than English mustard, but it can be used as a substitute in most recipes.
Is there a UK equivalent of American mustard?
If you are looking for a substitute for American mustard in the UK, you can try using English mustard, but be sure to use less than you would American mustard, as English mustard is stronger.
You can also try using Dijon mustard, which is another type of French mustard that is made with brown mustard seeds.
What is American mustard called?
Yellow mustard in America also goes by the name “American Ballpark Mustard”.
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