Mustard: The culinary all-rounder

A jack-of-all-trades? Uses and properties of mustard

Mustard is just as much a feature of rustic cuisine as it is of many a gourmet dish. No wonder, as it comes in various degrees of heat or even with a hint of sweetness. It is a key ingredient in dressings and marinades, but also lends roasts and sausages a pleasantly spicy depth of flavour. Mustard oil has natural preservative properties and can therefore offer more than just flavour benefits when used, for example, to pickle vegetables.

Thanks to their high nutrient content, mustard seeds can also be beneficial in smoothies or other health drinks, beyond their mild, medium-hot or even hot flavour. As well as vitamins, they provide minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium, thereby supporting blood pressure regulation, cell renewal and muscle and nerve function. They also aid digestion and strengthen the immune system – mustard is even linked to the prevention of cancer.

Extraction, production and variety of flavours

The mustard plant is thought to have originated in India. Archaeological finds suggest it was cultivated as early as 1,800 BC. It is also mentioned in Europe as early as 100 AD – making it one of the first documented hot spices in Europe. The mustard plant looks very similar to rapeseed. It is adaptable in terms of soil conditions, but prefers moderately moist conditions and a sufficient supply of lime.

Mustard production is based on mustard seeds, which come from the mustard plant. These must be separated from the pods and gently cleaned. Depending on the variety, white and brown mustard seeds are particularly popular. However, black varieties are also available. After cleaning and storage, the mustard seeds are crushed, de-oiled or ground in mustard mills, depending on the specific production process – unless the product is required as whole mustard seeds.

Further ingredients are then added, such as water, vinegar, wine, salt, sugar, herbs or, for sweet mustard, sometimes apple purée. This variety of flavours allows for mild mustards, medium-hot varieties and even fiery chilli mustard. This is usually followed by a maturing process before the mustard – which can be either smooth or coarse – is transferred to a suitable Packaging is filled and goes on sale.

Whilst mustard oil itself has preservative properties, ready-made mustard, for example, is preserved by the addition of vinegar or acid. Storing an unopened product in a cool, dry place also helps to extend its Preservation at.

Xanthan gum as a thickening agent for creamy mustards

Grainy varieties aren’t always what people are looking for. When it comes to giving mustard paste the desired creamy consistency, xanthan gum often comes into play. This naturally occurring polysaccharide is a popular thickening and gelling agent that also contains dietary fibre. It binds water and therefore has a swelling effect. As it is vegan and gluten-free, it is all the more versatile. As well as in mustard, it is used, for example, in the production of ketchup, mayonnaise, sauces and puddings. If you need xanthan gum for your food production, please feel free to browse the Gustav Ehlert GmbH shop.

We’ve got our two cents’ worth – more mustard-related products

As well as the handy xanthan gum, our shop stocks many other products that can help you enjoy mustard to the full. These include the following:

• Mustard seed

• (Organic) mustard flour

• Mustard Aroma

• Ready-to-eat mustard in bottles, single-serve sachets or buckets

• Spices for onion-flavoured Mettwurst, kebabs and the like.

The range of spices blended with mustard highlights their versatility. We have created bespoke spice blends for all kinds of meat specialities, designed to bring out the distinctive flavour of each dish. Whether whole or ground – stock up for your projects, big or small, in the food processing industry or commercial kitchens.

Not a fan of mustard? Of course, we also have mustard-free products in our range. You’ll find a wide variety of flavours for sweet and savoury treats. And we’ve also got other equipment to help you produce perfect dishes. Machines, cleaning agents or workwear? You’ll find it all here.

Gustav Ehlert GmbH boasts a century of valuable expertise. We understand the challenges facing the food industry and, as supply chain specialists, we have the necessary equipment to tackle them. You too can benefit from our expertise and the high quality of our product range.