National Mustard Day

A cheerful person joyfully spreading mustard on a sandwich, wearing a colorful apron, in a vibrant kitchen setting.. — National mustard day illustration

Welcome to the vibrant world of mustard, that spreads its spicy warmth right through our sandwiches, barbecues, and sometimes even our hearts (in a good way though, we promise). Today, we take you through the tangy origins and delightful history of the National Mustard Day.

When is Mustard Day?

It's national mustard day on the 2nd August.

The Spicy Origins

Originally hitting the internet foodie scene back in the early 2010s, National Mustard Day has grown in popularity over the following years with an explosive 3455 mentions online at its peak in 2015. It's one of those unique gastronomic celebrations that unite mustard lovers across the world, with thousands keen to spread their favourite condiment with the high spirits of the day. We absolutely relish the fact that this special day is dedicated to mustard. Get it? Relish, mustard...* Cue funky laugh-track*

Marking the Day

There is no wrong way to celebrate National Mustard Day, but as the self-proclaimed mustard connoisseurs, we recommend you immerse completely in the day's spirit. This could range from indulging in a gourmet mustard tasting session, to even hosting a mustard-themed barbecue party. Spreading mustard, not just on your hot dog, but also the joy and the love on this day, is absolutely paramount. After all, isn't that what the internet, and food, is all about?

Shoutout to the Mustard Masters

As a ‘condi-moment’ of appreciation, let's have a toast to the masterminds behind the most mentions on 2nd August 2015 that led this day to reach its zenith of recognition, popularity, and shared happiness. To the mustard enthusiasts, bloggers, foodies, and just about anyone else with good taste (get it? taste?), cheers to y'all!

History behind the term 'Mustard'

3000 BC

Ancient Origins

Mustard traces its roots back to ancient times, with evidence of its cultivation dating back to 3000 BC. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were known to have used mustard seeds as a culinary spice and for medicinal purposes.

13th Century

Medieval Medicinal Herb

During the 13th century, mustard gained popularity as a medicinal herb in Europe. It was commonly used to treat ailments such as toothaches, rheumatic pains, and digestive disorders. The seeds were crushed and mixed with various liquids to create healing pastes and poultices.

1720

The Condiment Revolution

In the 18th century, mustard underwent a transformation from a medicinal herb to a popular condiment. It was in 1720 when a French mustard maker named Antoine-Claude Maille opened the first-ever commercial mustard shop in Paris. This marked the birth of the modern mustard industry.

1866

The Creation of Yellow Mustard

In 1866, a man named Francis French revolutionized the world of mustard by creating a smooth, bright yellow condiment. He mixed ground white mustard seeds with vinegar and added turmeric to achieve the vibrant yellow color. This new mustard variety quickly gained popularity and became a staple condiment in many households.

1930

The Birth of Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard, known for its smooth texture and tangy flavor, was born in 1930. The city of Dijon in France became famous for its unique mustard production, and the term 'Dijon mustard' started being used to describe a specific style of mustard made with white wine instead of vinegar.

20th Century

Mustard Goes Global

In the 20th century, mustard spread its wings and gained international recognition. It became a beloved condiment in cuisines around the world, from American hot dogs to Indian curries. Different regions developed their own variations, from sweet honey mustard to spicy horseradish mustard, catering to diverse tastes.

Did you know?

Did you know that the usage of mustard dates back as far as the Roman times? Yep, even then mustard was a trusted mate in wrapping up a tasty meal. Talk about roots!