National Mustard Day

A Spreadable Celebration: National Mustard Day

Do you love the tangy, spicy taste of mustard? Then today is your lucky day, because it’s National Mustard Day! This flavorful holiday has been celebrated annually on the first Saturday in August since 1991, and it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy all of your favorite mustard-based dishes. Join us as we celebrate National Mustard Day with a closer look at the history of this zesty condiment.

The History of Mustard

The first recorded use of mustard dates back to ancient times; in fact, some historians believe that mustard was used as a condiment even before vinegar or salt. The earliest documented mustard recipes come from ancient Rome, where a combination of ground mustard seeds and grape juice was used as a sauce for meats and fish. This Roman mustard was known as “garum,” and it quickly became a popular seasoning throughout Europe.

Mustard continued to gain popularity during the Middle Ages, when European monks began experimenting with different ways to make the condiment. One common method involved soaking mustard seeds in wine, which resulted in a smoother, less pungent flavor. This “wine sauce” became very popular among the nobility, who used it to add flavor to their otherwise bland medieval diets.

By the early 1900s, most European countries had their own unique recipes for mustard. In America, however, prepared mustard was not widely available until the early 1800s. The first commercially-produced mustard in America was created by Isaac Parks, who began making his “Dr. Parks’ Medicine” in Philadelphia in 1820. Another early American mustard producer was Eben Norton Horsford, who invented a dry powder mustard that could be reconstituted with water. Horsford’s mustard became very popular during the Civil War, when soldiers used it to add flavor to their rations.

Today, there are hundreds of different types of mustard available on the market. You can find mustards made with everything from horseradish and honey to chocolate. No matter what your flavor preferences may be, there’s sure to be a type of mustard out there that you’ll love!

Happy National Mustard Day! We hope you enjoy celebrating this delicious holiday with all of your favorite mustard-based dishes. From its humble beginnings as a Roman sauce to its current status as a versatile condiment enjoyed by people all over the world, mustard has come a long way in its 2,000 year history. Whether you prefer your mustard smooth or grainy, sweet or savory, there’s sure to be a type out there that you’ll enjoy. So break out the hot dogs and get ready to celebrate National Mustard Day in style!