Mustard is an
ancient and romantic spice, and throughout time
has remained one of the world's most popular
seasonings. Both the mustard seed and plant have
been glorified for centuries in conversation,
literature and poetry, and its use has been
traced to prehistoric times.
The Chinese have
grown mustard for more than 3,000 years.
Egyptians consumed it by popping the seeds into
their mouths while chewing meat. The Greeks used
mustard to flavor roasts and stews. The Romans
carried mustard seeds with them to France,
savoring them along the road where the plants
soon grew wild and flourished in the fertile
hillsides.
Undoubtedly, the
mustard capital of the world is Dijon in eastern
France. This picturesque city gained its
reputation as the home of master mustard makers
in the 13th century. The French were passionate
about mustard, considering it the condiment of
kings. They passed strict laws governing what
could be called Dijon mustard. The French still
ensure that mustard labeled Dijon adheres to
"appellation controllee" standards,
much like fine French wines.
The most famous of
the great Dijon mustard firms was founded in
1777. Monsieur Grey, who had developed a secret
recipe for a strong mustard made with white wine,
formed a partnership with Monsieur Poupon, who
supplied the financial backing to manufacture the
product.
The creamy mustard
their partnership yielded remains the standard by
which Dijon mustards are judged. Grey and Poupon
also revolutionized the business by introducing
the first automatic mustard machines, thus
freeing workers from a backbreaking chore. Today,
at 32 Rue de la Liberte in the heart of Dijon,
one can visit the Grey Poupon building which over
the years has become the mecca of mustard lovers
the world over.
All Dijon mustard
is made from brown or black mustard seeds - the
strongest and most flavorful. After the seeds are
ground and the hulls removed, white wine or
vinegar is added along with cloves, cinnamon and
other special spices and herbs.
Dijon-style
mustards aren't always made in Dijon, but
wherever they are made, there's a culinary
kinship that unites them all. Grey Poupon Dijon
Mustards sold in the United States are produced
by the Nabisco Foods Company in accordance with
the unique recipes dating back more than 200
years. Today, Grey Poupon is the nation's
largest-selling Dijon mustard and is available in
the original Dijon and Country Dijon styles.
Though mustard is
one of the oldest condiments known to man, only
in recent years has Dijon mustard taken its place
as a basic element in creative American cooking.
As well as being dolloped over prepared meats,
sausages and cheeses, many our met recipes now
call for Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard. Chicken
Dijon, Dijon vinegarette, Dijon bread and Dijon
sausage soup are a few of the most popular
dishes.
Monsieur Grey's
timeless recipe has made Grey Poupon Dijon
Mustard a classic. There are world travelers
known to carry Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard with
them wherever they go because they decided food
without it just isn't worth eating! Truly, Grey
Poupon is one of life's finer pleasures.
Source: Grey
Poupon
