NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY
Fast Facts
- CELEBRATION
- Recognizes the versatile condiment known as mustard
- CELEBRATED
- Each year on first Saturday in August
- WHERE
- Mustard Museum festival in Middleton, Wisconsin
- VIBE
- Zesty, spicy, medicinal
NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY
National Mustard Day on the first Saturday in August recognizes a versatile condiment. Used in many different cuisines, mustard comes from the seeds of the mustard plant.
#NATIONALMUSTARDDAY
The mustard seed may be used whole, ground, cracked, or bruised in cooking, too. When mixed with liquids such as water, lemon juice, or broth, mustard produces different textures and flavors. At times, cooks use the paste as a sauce or even a marinade. Try mixing mustard with other seasonings to create a dry rub for roasts, chicken, or chops.
Since some mustards are zestier than others, the spice pairs well with meats and cheeses. Pile up slices of ham, turkey, and Muenster between slices of your favorite crusty bread. Next, add some creamy mustard and fresh veggies. That's how you build a sandwich with zing. The same can be done with salads, hamburgers, and hot dogs, too.
Identifying Mustard
White or Yellow Mustard:
Comes from a mustard known as Sinapis hirta.
Brown or Indian Mustard:
Comes from Brassica juncea.
Black Mustard:
Comes from Brassica nigra.
Once you've mastered the sandwich, move on to dressings, glazes, and soups. Around the world, the spice is used in many forms beyond the seed. For example, in India, the entire plant is used from the sprouts to the mature greens. Expressing the oil of the seed is beneficial for both cooking and medicinal uses.
And don't forget Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Because of mustard's diversity, cooks reach for the spice and condiment more often than almost any other spice in the world.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY
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Head down to the Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, for a festive day of mustard sampling and events.
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Try tasting a variety of mustards at home or in a local spice store. Find one that makes your tongue happy and add it to your cooking.
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Invite friends over for a cookout of hot dogs and burgers. Top one off with your favorite kind of mustard and enjoy!
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Experiment and try new recipes with mustard as the spotlight ingredient. Post photos on social media using #NationalMustardDay.
NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY HISTORY
The origins of National Mustard Day are unknown. However, thanks to the The Mustard Museum sponsoring National Mustard Day in 1991, this condiment holiday took off! In 2010, the celebration for the day were moved to the current home of the Museum in Downtown Middleton, Wisconsin. With more than 6,000 enthusiastic mustard lovers in attendance annually, this event has raised thousands of dollars for local charity.