Burgers, sandwiches, corn dogs, and hot dogs- what are even they without a drizzle or two of yellow mustard! This beautiful golden-yellowish finger-licking relish that usually comes in a squeeze-and-pour bottle is a classic American condiment that could complement many foods.
Yellow mustard has been a close companion of ours for many years, and particularly we used to enjoy this as a topping when we were kids.
Yellow mustard is made from mustard seeds as the base flavoring and by mixing a few other ingredients. The main spices usually contained are:
- Turmeric
- Garlic Powder
- Cayenne Powder
- Paprika
With these flavorings and other ingredients, this creamy treat comes together really well, making it suitable to enjoy any time of the day. So, on that note, let us begin with exploring the spices used in yellow mustard, and we hope to bring you a few more other facts about this piquant condiment that may excite you. Keep reading!
What Spices Are In Yellow Mustard?
The benchmark for American mustards is the golden-yellow sort. Its brilliant yellow shade comes from the exclusive use of delicately ground yellow mustard seeds, as well as the mighty pigment spice turmeric. And, interestingly, since days back then, the popularity of yellow mustard has not been lessened even from a single percentage.
Basically, these two ingredients are blended with vinegar and water. But, the yellow mustard recipes that are rising lately contain a few other mild spices to form a dense, squeezable dressing. On the mustard heat scale, yellow mustard seeds are at the base. But still, fine yellow seeds should have a fresh, pungent mustard flavor.
However, the recipe does not call in for too much spiciness. Therefore, although we included cayenne pepper and paprika on the list, the usage of them in the yellow mustard recipes is usually confined to a minimum.
So, let us dig into more details and see how these spices bring flavor to this golden-hued condiment.
01- Mustard Seeds
What would yellow mustard be without mustard! Mustard seeds are the key spice in this sharp, spicy, and pungent condiment.
Yellow mustard powder is itself assembled by pulverizing yellow mustard seeds into a fine powder, which derives from the mustard plant. Generally, there are three different varieties of mustard seeds, and they are:
- Brown mustard seeds
- Black mustard seeds
- White or yellow mustard seeds
The level of heat in a specific variety of mustard is directly related to the particular type of seed used. Yellow or white mustard seeds are the most temperate, while brown and black seeds are warmer and more intense.
However, every type has a sharp, spicy, and bitter bite. In addition, mustard is a flavoring with many health benefits like relief from muscular pains, ringworm, and respiratory dysfunctions.
Coming back to yellow mustard, you can make this condiment from whole mustard seeds as well, but that would give a more grainy paste instead of a smooth one. Thus, when taking the intensity and consistency into consideration, powdered yellow mustard seeds are the best for making this relish.
02- Turmeric
Turmeric is, in fact, another staple spice in yellow mustard to give its gorgeous golden-yellowish tone. Honored as one of the most popular colorant spices in the culinary world, turmeric is a true winner when included in foods.
When it comes to making yellow mustard, about half to one teaspoon of turmeric is usually added to 3/4 cups of mustard powder. It gives a stupendously fresh, bitter, earthy, somewhat musky, and peppery flavor with an intense and favorable aroma.
Although turmeric is known for its color, flavor, and fragrance, it is also a spice that is rich in Vitamins and minerals.
03- Garlic Powder
Garlic powder comes as a complete optional spice for yellow mustard. Unlike turmeric, garlic powder does not appear in the classic recipe of this condiment. However, with the evolved versions, garlic powder took the entrance into the recipe to make it more flavorful and tangy. And, we see that a lot of homemade versions of yellow mustard use garlic powder.
Less messy and less odorous, powdered garlic is versatile and blends in really well with the mustard paste. Even though it is somewhat less intense than fresh garlic, the garlicky flavor is not low-grade when compared with the fresh garlic cloves.
Above all, garlic powder is a nutritious spice that has fewer calories and potential health benefits like reducing blood pressure, helping cardiovascular health, and lowering cholesterol levels.
While yellow mustard contains garlic powder, minced garlic accompanies a popular dish that comes from India. Need to know how? Click here, and we will guide you to a fully detailed article on what spices are used in Butter Chicken.
03- Cayenne Powder and Paprika
Just like garlic powder, cayenne and paprika also do not appear in the classic yellow mustard recipe. But, chefs unwound this condiment with a dash of paprika and cayenne over time.
If we take 3/4 cups of powdered mustard powder, the amount of cayenne or paprika added is specified to about 1/8 teaspoons. Reasons for adding a small amount are not making the paste too spicy and changing the color.
However, the spiciness won’t be much of a problem if sweet paprika is included. In fact, it can counterbalance the taste of yellow mustard truly well. But when it comes to cayenne and hotter paprika, one should use them moderately.
Cayenne powder and paprika both contain capsaicin which is good for heart health, promotes weight loss, and alleviates pains.
What’s The Difference Between Prepared Mustard And Yellow Mustard?
Many would have confusion between these two terms. But, simply, yellow mustard is one version of prepared mustard.
All types of prepared mustard are made using the three main varieties of mustard seeds- brown, black, and white or yellow as the base.
However, each type would have different flavors, and each variety of mustard seeds may vary in intensity and robustness. Among all the types of prepared mustard, yellow mustard is the most popular type that you can find in almost every store in your area.
Apart from yellow mustard, other types of prepared mustard are:
- Dijon Mustard- Dijon is generally made with husked black seeds, salt, wine, and spices for a savory bite. It is usually used in sauces, salad dressings, and couples nicely with mayonnaise.
- Honey Mustard- In this condiment, yellow mustard and honey are incorporated in a 1:1 ratio for a sweet and zesty spread. It is usually used as a salad dressing and a dipping sauce.
- Whole grain mustard- Partly-crushed seeds are employed to assemble a dense paste that delivers a sharp, rich flavor and grainy texture. However, this is also the least processed, and whole grain mustard potentially possesses the most nutrients from the mustard seed.
- Spicy Brown Mustard- In this, a significant amount of brown mustard seeds are somewhat ground and combined with spices to make a spicy, coarse paste. It is a condiment that goes well with sandwiches.
What Are The Other Ingredients That Go Into Yellow Mustard?
Over and above the spices used, there are a few other ingredients that move into yellow mustard to bring out the flavor. Interestingly, while most makers use vinegar or water as the liquid base, some even use wine and beer. In addition to these, salt is the other essential seasoning that is used along with the spices.
Conveying The Conclusion…
Yellow mustard undoubtedly shares an eternal bond with our childhood favorites like sandwiches, burgers, corn dogs, and hot dogs (doesn’t mean that we don’t love them as adults!)
In fact, this condiment is proof that tiny mustard seeds can really go a long way when combined with a few more ingredients. It is the most famous version of prepared mustard that originated in New York but lately has won millions of hearts of people scattered among the world.
