Curious about German Mustards? We have the scoop for you but let’s start with a quick review of mustards in general.
Mustard is one of the most famous condiments in the world, but not many people are aware that there are a wide variety of mustards to choose from. You can try American mustards, French mustards, English mustards, and German mustards. Not only does every type of mustard look different, but each variant has different ingredients and tastes.
English mustard tastes hot and has a kick, while American mustard has a mild sweetness that pairs well with many dishes. However, the most unique and tasty types of mustard you can try are German mustards. German mustards have a diverse range, and there are many variations you can try from.
We have listed some of the most famous German mustards for you to try in this guide.
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History of Mustard in Germany
Mustard has been a famous condiment in Germany since medieval times. Senf was initially used in the dark period of European history for medicinal reasons. It also became a way to flavor the bland food in the country since no spices were available at the time.
Since the medieval ages, mustard has come a long way, and the range of German mustards has expanded considerably. Senfkörner is the whole seed that is used to season meat or sauces.
Senfpulver, on the other hand, is a dry powder used in cooking and can be easily mixed in with other ingredients. Senf is the most popular kind that is consumed most commonly in Germany. It is the paste commonly known as mustard around the world.
Mustard in Germany is made from a different variety of ground mustard seeds. Brassica nigra and Sinapis hirta are the most popular kinds of mustard seeds used. These mustard seeds are mixed with oil, herb, vinegar, and sweeteners to make a paste that serves as a condiment to various German foods.
You can also use German mustard as a recipe ingredient to make various local dishes. Different types of mustards have different textures. The texture of mustard can be coarse-ground or smooth, while the color can be brown or pale yellow.
Here Are the Top German Mustards You Need to Try
Hot Mustards
Extra Scharf or Scharfer Senf mustards are known as hot mustards in Germany. They may be the same medium-spicy mustard but have a higher concentration of brown mustard seeds.
Brown mustard seeds are hotter, which is why they add to the spice level of the mustard. Düsseldorfer and Löwensenf are German brands that specialize in manufacturing German mustards. They also offer patrons the chance to try an extra-spicy mustard called extra scharfer senf.
Dusseldorf makes considerably famous German mustards that are less acidic and sharp than other mustards worldwide. Although they are pretty spicy, they are no match for the fierce English mustards that pack a punch.
Hot German mustards are generally used in making authentic German dishes. Senfrostbraten is a German dish that incorporates mustard with a roasted steak dish. If you were to compare the taste of German hot mustard with something else from around the world, you would probably find it on par with Dijon mustard from France.
Although the taste is similar, the spice level of German mustard is much higher. This is because hot mustard is made using whole mustard seeds instead of mustard powder. This technique and recipe have been popular for generations and are still used for making hot mustard in Germany to this day.
Medium-Spicy Mustards
Mittlescharfer or Delikatesssenf are called medium-spicy German mustards. This type of German mustard is made with a combination of brown and yellow mustard seeds. They are highly commonplace in Germany, and you can find them in any household in the country.
Sometimes, these mustards are mixed with horseradish in Eastern Germany and Austria for some added sharpness and spiciness. This version of medium-spicy German mustard is called meerrettichsenf. It is slightly creamier than ordinary medium-spicy mustard and has a distinctive flavor that works well with sauerkraut.
Medium-spicy mustards are perfect for people who don’t like too sweet or spicy German mustards. Medium-spicy German mustards are served with various meat dishes in Germany, similar to Bavarian Sweet mustards. They taste fantastic when paired with bratwurst and other simple types of wurst and meats.
Sweet Mustards
Bavarian Sweet Mustard is also known as Süßer Senf, Weißwurstsenf, or Bayerischer. This type of German mustard is nowadays made using coarsely ground mustard seeds mixed with vinegar, honey, sugar, and applesauce as a sweetener.
Sweet German mustards are the manufacturer Händlmaier’s specialty that leads the industry in making delicious sweet mustard that can be used as a condiment or ingredient.
The jars of Händlmaier have a distinct red lid, which sets them apart from other mustards in a supermarket. You can easily buy a jar of Bavarian Sweet Mustard by Händlmaier in US supermarkets.
Locals of Bavaria take pride in Sweet Bavarian mustards and take the recipe and techniques of making it very seriously. Sweet German mustard is most commonly served with a variety of wursts. This type of mustard is made to be enjoyed with meat and tremendously enhances the delicious juicy flavor of German sausages. Traditionally, the recipe for Bavarian mustard calls for roasted ground mustard seeds, which are sweetened with honey, apple juice, sugar, and vinegar.
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German Mustard Recipe
German mustard is a flavor-rich and spicy alternative to classic yellow mustard. Whether you love mustard as a condiment or occasionally enjoy it with a few meat dishes, you must check out how German mustard is made to try the recipe on your own.
This recipe can help you enhance the flavor of a dull, hot dog or make your traditional Oktoberfest meal taste even more delicious. The black mustard seeds are what make the mustard more delicious, while tarragon, sugar, garlic, and other spices add additional flavor.
The mustard seeds in the German mustard must be allowed to sit for a day before they can be blended together and for about three more days to allow the bitterness to dissipate and let the flavors combine.
You can enjoy German mustard as a spread or condiment or use it in place of other flavorful and grainy mustards as an ingredient. The best way to use German mustard is to incorporate it into a marinade of pork tenderloin, potato salad, and homemade vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- Yellow Mustard Seeds
- Black or Brown Mustard Seeds
- Dry Mustard Powder
- Water
- Brown Sugar
- Salt
- Garlic
- Tarragon
- Turmeric
- Allspice
- Cinnamon
- Onion
- Cider Vinegar
How to Make German Mustard
Combine mustard seed and dry mustard in a bowl. Add the remaining ingredients to a stainless steel saucepan and simmer it uncovered until the mixture is reduced by half. You can pour the mixture into the bowl with the mustard seed after some time and let it rest at room temperature for 24 hours.
If the liquid is insufficient to cover the seeds, you may add more vinegar to the mixture. Process the mixture in a blender until you can achieve the texture you like.
Mixing the ingredients together can take up to three to four minutes. You can leave the mustard to be grainy or create a smoother paste. Add the mustard to clean jars and cover them tightly to allow the flavors to meld.
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German Mustard Guide – Facts, Varieties, Production, Brands, and Dishes
In this video, we will be concentrating on German mustard! I will show you various brands of German mustard and where to buy German mustard. The most popular and best mustard includes sweet German mustard, medium or yellow German mustard, and spicy German mustard.
German Mustard Guide – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes German mustard different?
A few German mustards incorporate extra ingredients, such as horseradish which add to their flavor. A unique type of German mustard is Mittelscharf, made of yellow and brown mustard seeds. Mittelscharf means medium hot, and this type of mustard has a distinct spiciness that is different from Dijon.
Why is German mustard so spicy?
The addition of black mustard seeds is what makes German mustard so spicy. The garlic, spices, brown sugar, and tarragon contribute a deeper flavor to German mustard and make it taste more delicious.
What is the most popular mustard in Germany?
The most famous German mustards in Germany are Bavarian Sweet and Düsseldorf mustards. The Bavarian Sweet mustard is sweet like its name, whereas Düsseldorf mustard has a sweet and sour taste.
What is the difference between German mustard and Dijon?
German mustard is similar to Dijon mustard but has much more spice to it. It is made with herbs, oil, vinegar, sweeteners, and a variety of ground mustard seeds.
Summary
German mustard has a one-of-a-kind taste that is unlike the ordinary yellow mustard that is commonly available in stores. It has a much sharper and distinct flavor that can be used to enhance meat dishes or used as a spread for sandwiches.
German mustard is also used in greens and salad dressings and can be enjoyed with pork and beef sausages. Try the different varieties of German mustard and see which one suits your preferences best.
Finally, be sure to read about the interesting History of German Delis in the US.
My name is Jay and I started this website to share my love of Deli Food. I am Jewish with Italian ancestry and grandparents who emigrated to the US from Poland, Russia and Turkey. This website is my celebration of the delicious flavors of international deli culture. Please feel free to send me your suggestions and feedback through the contact form.
