National Mustard Day (first Saturday in August)
One weird holiday on August 5 is National Mustard Day. Check out the other weird August holidays!
Ah, mustard—the golden (or sometimes spicy brown) condiment that has spiced up dishes from countless cultures around the world.
On the first Saturday of August each year, mustard lovers unite to celebrate National Mustard Day. This day honors not just a condiment, but a culinary tradition that has made its way into our sandwiches, marinades, and even into our hearts.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic yellow mustard, the bold and spicy, or the elegantly flavored varieties, National Mustard Day is a perfect excuse to explore and appreciate the wonderful world of mustard.
When is National Mustard Day?
National Mustard Day takes place the first Saturday in August each year. Here are the upcoming dates:
- August 2, 2025
- August 1, 2026
- August 7, 2027
- August 5, 2028
- August 4, 2029
- August 3, 2030
- August 2, 2031
- August 7, 2032
- August 6, 2033
Who Invented National Mustard Day?
National Mustard Day was created by the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin. The museum’s founder, Barry Levenson, started National Mustard Day in 1991 to celebrate mustard and to raise awareness of the National Mustard Museum, which is dedicated to all things mustard.
The day has since grown into a well-recognized celebration, attracting mustard enthusiasts from around the world to enjoy and participate in various mustard-related activities. The event not only promotes the enjoyment of this versatile condiment but also supports mustard education and appreciation through fun, community-oriented events.
The Origins of Mustard
Mustard’s history is as rich and varied as its flavors. The use of mustard seeds as a spice has been traced back over 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest spices used by humans.
Mustard was cultivated in Ancient India, and it was the Romans who first experimented with making a paste from mustard seeds. They mixed unfermented grape juice, known as “must,” with ground mustard seeds (called sinapis) to make “burning must”, or “mustum ardens” in Latin, which eventually became “moutarde,” the French word for mustard.
In medieval Europe, mustard was one of the few spices that could be easily produced locally, and it became an important flavoring in Northern European cuisines. Dijon, France, became a recognized center for mustard making in the 13th century when the Dukes of Burgundy could enjoy this region’s creation, which was believed to be the best in the world at the time.
Varieties of Mustard
There is an astonishing variety of mustard available today, each offering unique flavors and uses:
- Yellow Mustard: Known for its vibrant color and mild flavor, made from white mustard seeds mixed with vinegar and spices.
- Dijon Mustard: Originating from Dijon, France, this popular mustard is made with brown mustard seeds and white wine or a mix of wine vinegar, water, and salt, creating a creamy consistency and sharp taste.
- Spicy Brown Mustard: Utilizes brown mustard seeds that give it a spicier character than yellow mustard. It’s often used in deli sandwiches.
- Whole Grain Mustard: As the name suggests, this mustard type includes whole mustard seeds, providing a rustic texture and pungent flavor.
- Honey Mustard: Known for its sweetness added by honey, balancing the inherent tang of the mustard, ideal for dressings and dips.
Health Benefits of Mustard
Mustard is not only a flavorful addition to meals but also packs a variety of health benefits. Mustard seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, selenium, and manganese.
They are also known for their properties in relieving muscle pain, improving respiratory health, and aiding in digestion. Additionally, mustard can stimulate the metabolism and help reduce inflammation.
Celebrating National Mustard Day
National Mustard Day provides the perfect opportunity to get creative with this versatile condiment. Here are some fun ideas to spice up your celebration:
- Mustard Tasting Party: Invite friends and family to a tasting party where you can explore the range of mustards from different regions around the world.
- Cook-off Challenge: Organize a cook-off where participants create dishes that feature mustard as a key ingredient. This could be anything from sandwiches and salads to more elaborate sauces and marinades.
- Visit a Local Mustard Museum or Factory: If you’re lucky enough to live near a mustard museum or factory, take a tour to learn more about how your favorite mustards are made.
- DIY Mustard Making: Try your hand at making homemade mustard. It’s surprisingly simple, and you can customize the flavors to suit your taste.
- Mustard in Desserts: Experiment with using mustard in desserts. Mustard ice cream or mustard-infused cakes might sound unusual, but they can be delightfully delicious.
Fun Facts About Mustard
- World’s Largest Mustard Collection: The National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, holds the world’s largest collection of mustards and mustard memorabilia.
- Ancient Uses: In ancient times, mustard was used for medicinal purposes as well as for culinary ones. It was believed to cure everything from hysteria to snake bites.
- Mustard in War: During World War II, mustard seeds were mixed with chilli peppers and used to make tear gas.
National Mustard Day is more than just a celebration of one of the world’s most beloved condiments; it’s a day to appreciate the rich history, diverse flavors, and the culinary creativity that mustard inspires.
Whether you’re a gourmet chef or just a condiment enthusiast, take this day to honor the mighty mustard seed in all its pungent glory. Spread it, dip it, or cook with it—however you choose to enjoy mustard, let its flavor be a bold reminder of its storied past and vibrant presence in cuisines across the globe.
Recipe Ideas for National Mustard Day
Pin it!
Share this post about National Mustard Day on Pinterest!