CATEGORY

Dijon Mustard

2008 CHEFSBEST® AWARD FOR BEST TASTE WINNER

Grey Poupon

What Makes a Great Dijon Mustard?

Stronger and more complex than yellow mustard, Dijon mustard brings a zesty flavor to turkey sandwiches, hot dogs or hamburgers. It can also add extra flavor when used in recipes, salad dressings or marinades. Dijon mustard is low in calories and high in protein, making it a healthy spread for any occasion.

Our chefs define high quality Dijon mustard as having a smooth, mustard seed appearance, more similar to mayonnaise than yellow mustard. It should appear to be fully blended and emulsified, not broken, separated or watery. Its aroma should be pronounced and recognizable as Dijon, while its complex aroma character should be brightly rounded and feature notes of fresh mustard, white wine vinegar, herbs and Dijon.

The taste profile of top quality Dijon mustard should exhibit sourness at moderate to high levels, followed by a decreasingly moderate level of saltiness. Sweetness and bitterness should each range at low levels.

A moderate mustard flavor should lead the product's flavor profile, with vinegar following at a low to moderate level. Like the aroma character, Dijon mustard's flavor character should be brightly rounded without any overwhelming or spiking flavors — good Dijon mustard is considerably more complex than yellow mustard. Added seasonings such as horseradish and turmeric should not exceed low levels.

The texture of high quality Dijon mustard should be heavy and thick, with low to moderate heat intensity. It should spread evenly and cleanly on breads, meats or other foods, and always complement other ingredients — particularly when used in sandwiches. The mouthfeel should be creamy (although some chalkiness may be present), and a moderate aftertaste should ensue.

Product Category Definition

The category judged was defined for the consumermarket, not including other types of mustards such as regular, spicy brown, or yellow.

Other Leading Brands:

Maille