NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY

July 31, 2026July 16, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

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.

Depending on the kind of mustard, flavors and color will vary. For example, white or yellow mustard comes from a mustard known as Sinapis hirta. Brown or Indian mustard come from Brassica juncea. And black mustard comes from Brassica nigra.

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 Munster between 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.

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. Try a Mediterranean recipe by making creamy tahini or aioli and make your dishes sing. Similar recipes can be found in northern and southeastern Europe, too.

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.

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NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY HISTORY

The Mustard Museum began sponsoring National Mustard Day in 1991. In 2010, the event 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.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NATIONALMUSTARDDAY

If you’re in Middleton, Wisconsin, head down to the Mustard Museum for a festive day of mustard sampling and events. Everywhere else, 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. An even easier way to celebrate is by inviting friends over for a cookout of hot dogs and burgers. Top one off with your favorite kind of mustard and enjoy!

Experiment and try new recipes with mustard as the spotlight ingredient. Post photos on social media using #NationalMustardDay.

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NATIONAL HORSERADISH MONTH

June 30, 2026June 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

During National Horseradish Month in July, learn about the root vegetable that adds a kick to meat and side dishes.

Edible from leaves to root tip, the horseradish is native to eastern Europe. Historically, the root’s medicinal uses included treatments for pain relief, food poisoning, scurvy, and colic. It was even considered an aphrodisiac.

Horseradish, along with vegetables such as kale and cauliflower, is a member of the mustard family. While often made into a condiment or sauce, it also makes an excellent seasoning. The flavorful root vegetable adds a spicy punch to savory dishes and can even be added to some beverages like a Bloody Mary or Caesar.

The heat comes from a compound called isothiocyanate. Horseradish is at its most aromatic and spiciest when it is raw. Adding vinegar to a recipe will help create a milder heat and bring about a less pungent bite.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Add some horseradish to your meals in July. Whether you’re grilling (it is National Grilling Month) or whipping something up in the kitchen, try prepared horseradish or a powered version. If you have fresh horseradish, consider preserving it for use later in the year. Use #NationalHorseradishMonth to share on social media.

NATIONAL VINEGAR DAY

October 31, 2025October 24, 2025Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On November 1st National Vinegar Day not only makes things taste great, but it also makes things sparkle, too. Vinegar is produced either by a fast or a slow fermentation process. Slow methods are generally used with traditional vinegar and the fermentation proceeds slowly over the course of months or up to a year.This household staple freshens a salad and brightens windows. While vinegar is common, it’s also one of the most useful household items made. Whether cooking or cleaning, be sure to add vinegar to your shopping list.

There are many varieties of vinegar:

Apple cider – Made primarily from apple juice, yeast turns the juice to vinegar.
Balsamic – This darker and intensely acidic vinegar is made from grapes. It makes an excellent salad dressing and can also be cooked down into a syrup.
Beer or Malt – The vinegar comes in a variety of flavors all determined by the beer or malt used to make it. This type of vinegar brings complex flavors to your cooking. Whether making a sauce or a marinade, you won’t go wrong.
Cane – Made from sugar cane syrup, this vinegar is mellow with a mild sweetness. Use it in vinaigrettes or sauces.
Distilled – This powerhouse vinegar made from grain alcohol both cleans and makes great pickles. It is the most versatile of the vinegars. However, it must be pointed out that other vinegars make great pickles, too.
Rice – This sweeter vinegar makes great sauces that pair well with fried foods, Asian cuisine and cooked vegetables.
Red wine – Made from red wine, this vinegar makes an excellent marinade for red meats. Use it to deglaze a pan before making a sauce. It also complements vegetables.
Coconut – Made from the sap produced by the flowers of coconut trees, this vinegar adds sweetness to soups and salad dressings. It’s most often found in Asian and Indian cuisine but is subtle enough to be used in many other recipes.

But those aren’t all. You can also explore flavored vinegars, honey, palm, raisin, and kombucha vinegars, too!

Vinegar: Over 400 Various, Versatile, and Very Good Uses You’ve Probably Never Thought Of

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Vinegar is:

Most commonly used in food preparation such as pickling processes, vinaigrettes and other salad dressings
An essential ingredient in mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce and mayonnaise
A popular condiment for fish and chips
Flavoring for potato chips
Used as a dip for crab meat
A substitute for fresh lemon juice
Ingredient in a sauce when roasting lamb
Used in sushi rice
Commonly put into mint sauce
Ingredient in making some beverages
Used for medical remedies and treatments
Ideal for cleaning
Essential in home canning
Used in gardening and pest control

Some forms of vinegar are believed to have health benefits.

To learn more about vinegar, see: http://www.versatilevinegar.org/vinegarlore.html

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Make sure to check out these days to add a little spice to your life! National Garlic Day, National Onion Day, Spice Blend Day, Herbs and Spices Day, Mustard Day, Horseradish Month, National Vinegar Day, Spicey Guacamole Day, Totally Chipotle Day, National Cinnamon Day, Cinnamon Bun Day, Apple Pie Day, Apple Betty Day, Spicy Hermit Cookies, Mulled Wine Day, National Hot Mulled Cider Day, Apple Cider Day, and National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalVinegarDay

Vinegar offers us so many ways to celebrate! If you’re not sure where to start, simple try making a batch of refrigerator pickles. You can also explore making your own vinegar from your favorite base ingredient. There are numerous recipes out there for this ancient practice. Share your favorite recipes for sauces or dressings, too. Where will you start? Let us know using #NationalVinegarDay to post on social media.