Dijon Mustard vs Mustard: Which Is Better?
Dijon mustard vs mustard? The biggest difference between Dijon mustard and mustard is their flavor, which is a result of different seasonings and ingredients used in the making process.
Regular mustard, also known as the yellow mustard or American mustard, is one of the most common condiments, but Dijon mustard has been increasingly popular during the last few years. In this article, we will go deeper into all the differences between these two condiments, so stay tuned!
Table of Contents
Dijon Mustard Vs Mustard
To better understand their differences, let’s start by comparing the ingredients that go into making yellow and Dijon mustard.
Yellow mustard is made of white mustard seeds, yellow mustard seeds, water, vinegar, salt, spices, and lemon juice. On the other hand, Dijon mustard is made of spicy brown mustard seeds, verjuice or white wine vinegar, and spices.
Appearance And Texture
Yellow mustard, as its name suggests, has a bright yellow color, while Dijon mustard has a pale yellow color. Yellow mustard has a slightly creamy texture, while Dijon mustard has a creamier, pasty, and occasionally grainy texture.
Flavor
Probably the most important difference, American yellow mustard and Dijon mustard taste quite differently. Yellow mustard has a strong flavor, but Dijon-style mustard has a bolder and a bit spicier flavor.
Since both mustards are made of seeds that come from the mustard plant, their flavors are related, but Dijon mustard’s flavor is more complex and bold.
Culinary Use
Yellow mustard is the most beloved condiment for hot dogs and corn dogs, but it has many more culinary uses. You can find yellow mustard in honey mustard sauce, deviled egg mixture, potato salad dressing, other salad dressings, various dipping sauces, barbecue sauces, and sandwich toppings.
Dijon mustard is also quite a popular condiment. You can find it in marinade mixes, cheese dips, various mustard-based sauces, salad dressings, glazes for various dishes, and sandwich toppings.
Health Benefits
Both Dijon mustard and yellow mustard are not only tasty condiments, but they also have various health benefits.
For example, Dijon mustard lowers blood sugar levels, reduces the risk of cancer, reduces inflammation, and protects against infections and psoriasis.
On the other hand, yellow mustard helps with sore throats, reduces bad odors, relieves burns, and works as a great face mask and hair conditioner. Also, yellow mustard can be used as a stain remover.
Other Mustard Varieties
Apart from these two mustard varieties, there are several other types of mustard that you need to try:
- German mustard – Also known as Senf, actually has four sub-varieties: sweet, brown Bavarian, spicy, and extra spicy. In general, Senf is spicier than Dijon and yellow mustard, and it is an especially popular condiment for famous German sausages. It is also a great Dijon mustard substitute.
- Stone ground mustard – As its name suggests, it is made of stone-ground mustard seeds that get mixed with water and vinegar. This way, you get a textured, grainy paste with a milder taste because some mustard seeds remain whole and don’t fully release their flavor.
- Honey mustard – Probably the most popular mustard-based sauce, honey mustard is a mixture of mustard, honey, mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices. It goes exceptionally well with roast beef, roasted vegetables, chicken, salads, and many other recipes!
Can I Replace Mustard With Dijon Mustard?
You can replace mustard with Dijon mustard in many recipes, though the taste will be slightly different. Dijon mustard is spicier than regular mustard and has a creamier texture. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, you may want to go easy with the amount of Dijon mustard.
Also, keep in mind that Dijon mustard is a bit more expensive than regular mustard, so you may want to use it sparingly. If you’re on a budget, you can always make your own Dijon mustard at home.
Is Dijon Mustard Better Than Regular Mustard?
Dijon mustard is usually made with brown or black mustard seeds, vinegar, wine, and spices. The taste of Dijon mustard is more sharp and tangy than regular mustard, and it can be used in many different ways.
Some people believe that Dijon mustard is better than regular mustard because it has a more complex flavor. Others find that the extra ingredients in Dijon mustard, such as wine and spices, make it too strong for their taste.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide which type of mustard they prefer.
Which Is Better Dijon Or Yellow Mustard?
There are a few key differences between Dijon and yellow mustard that you should be aware of before making your decision.
Dijon mustard is made with white vinegar, whereas yellow mustard is made with vinegar. This gives Dijon a bold flavor, while yellow mustard’s flavor is more direct but less exotic.
Dijon also contains wine, which gives it a slightly sweet taste. Yellow mustard does not contain any wine.
Homemade Dijon Mustard
Another great thing about dijon mustard is that it can easily be made from scratch:
- In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons brown mustard seeds, 4 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper.
- Mix these ingredients and add 1 tablespoon minced shallot, then mix again.
- Add white vinegar and white wine and stir everything well together.
- Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and leave in the fridge for 8 hours.
- Pour the refrigerated mixture into the food processor or blender and blend until the mixture becomes smooth.
- Store in a mason jar, keep refrigerated, and spend within the next 2 months.
Summary
So, now you know the difference between Dijon mustard vs mustard! Yellow mustard is made of white and yellow seeds, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt and has a strong flavor.
On the other hand, Dijon mustard is made of spicy brown mustard seeds, white wine vinegar, and spices, and it has a more spicy and bolder flavor.
Both condiments have numerous culinary uses, and which one to choose usually depends on personal taste. And which mustard do you like more? Share in the comments!