So we've been to France many times over the last 40 years, and when we're not hosting groups, we often stay in hotels for our shorter stays... But when we go over on our research trips to Provence, we typically stay in AirBnbs so that we have a kitchen... When we work out on the road actively researching all day, we often don't feel like going out at night to restaurants for dinner... and theses trips can often be 2 to 3 weeks long and costly, so having a kitchen helps to lower our expenses... So we spend a fair amount time in grocery stores stocking up these kitchens, and this is where we became big fans of French Mustards, or as they say Moutarde! OMG! they are so good! We'll of course have a few different ones at the Villa, but it's also a great inexpensive souvenir to bring home for yourself or others... And they sometimes come in cute little jars that are made to double as a really nice little casual stemless wine or spirits glass!
So how is it that France became the King of Mustards? Mustard seeds have been cultivated in China and the Indus Valley since 4000 BC and mustard–made from mixing mustard seeds and vinegar–has been around since Ancient Rome. The first recipe for mustard appears in a Roman cookbook from the fourth or fifth century called “De Re Coquinaria”, which translates to “On the Subject of Cooking”. In the recipe, the mustard is made with mustard seeds, pepper, honey, vinegar, and an assortment of herbs. Mustard first came to Paris in the 10th century, when the monks of Saint Germain des Pres began using imported mustard seeds to create their own concoction. By the 13th century, the city of Dijon, France had become a mustard hub, and it remains the mustard capital of the world, along with the French city of Meaux. Mustard has been beloved by France since the 14th century, when the government first introduced regulations for mustard recipes. Throughout history, Popes and Kings have even appointed their own mustard-makers, but the condiment was enjoyed by royals and commoners alike. While France is most famous for Dijon-style mustard, you can also find whole-grain mustard and honey mustard along with other various flavors, styles, and variations that are unique to France. Below, we’ve rounded up a few of the best French mustards, from familiar favorites to hard-to-find boutique brands.
Pommery
Sold in an iconic stoneware jar, Pommery’s Moutarde de Meaux has been made in the city of Meaux since the 1700s. Pommery’s original mustard is a grainy, stone-ground mustard that has a richer and deeper flavor than Dijon. In addition to their traditional recipe, Pommery also has variations made with ingredients like honey, cognac, fig, truffle, or green peppercorn. There is also a more finely ground version, called “fine” that’s a traditional Dijon.
Where to find it: While you can sometimes find Pommery at grocery stores, you can order it from specialty stores, or you can order it directly from www.moutarde-de-meaux.com
Bornier
Where to find it: All Bornier varieties can be found on Amazon, and you’ll be able to find the organic versions at grocery stores like Whole Foods.
Maille
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| Maille is one of our favorites! |
Amora
An offshoot of the Maille brand, Amora mustard is one of the most popular mustards in France, found in nearly every kitchen. With the tagline “fine et forte” it’s much spicier than a regular Dijon–and you can even find the “extra forte” version, a rich and spicy condiment that will make your sinuses tingle. While brands like Maille and Pommery come in beautiful bottles with beautiful labels (and the price tags to match), Amora is a more minimalist design and can be found in French grocery stores for under €2, and often comes in simple little jars that double as an elegant little stemless wine glass.
Where to find it: Amora is supremely easy to find in any market in France, and you can find them in some supermarkets in England. Amora on Amazon
Edmond Fallot
Edmond Fallot has been crafting world-class French mustard at their family-run mustard mill in Burgundy since 1840. Today, the business sells vinegar, relish, and mustard in plenty of varieties and flavors. Edmond Fallot’s traditional mustards are a creamy Dijon-style mustard and a whole grain variety made with whole mustard seeds. In addition, specialty flavors include walnut, basil, honey, fig, and more.
Where to find it: You can find the original Dijon and whole grain styles at gourmet shops around the country, or order one of the specialty flavors from Amazon. You can also visit the Edmond Fallot boutiques in Beaune and Dijon.
Maison Pebeyre
Where to find it: Your best bet for finding a jar of Maison Pebeyre’s truffle Dijon in the wild is to visit a local gourmet shop that specializes in French products.
www.pebeyre.com
