National Mustard Day - August 1, 2024 | Spirit Of The Holidays

Ground from the seeds of a mustard plant, mustard is one of America’s favorite condiments. Food lovers can celebrate this versatile topping on National Mustard Day, August 1. The National Mustard Museum was the originator of the holiday and celebrates the day every first Saturday in August. Guests who visit the museum on this special day can take part in a wide variety of games and even try a free hot dog and mustard sampling. Of course, you don’t have to go to the museum to have fun. Be sure to try out as many mustards as possible: the standard yellow American style, French Dijon mustard, Bavarian sweet mustard and the tangy, beer mustard!

National Mustard Day timeline

1984

Grey Poupon debuts its iconic "Pardon me" ads and sparks a sales boom of its mustard

1904

George T. French introduces yellow mustard (known as "American mustard" around the world!)

1300s

Pope John Paul XXII created a new Vatican position: Grand Moutardier du Pape, or mustard-maker to the pope

5th Century

Romans write down the first-known recipe for mustard

National Mustard Day Activities

Mustard is the favorite topping for hot dogs

A National Hot Dog and Sausage Council survey found that 71% of people confirm mustard as their top hot dog condiment. It’s a staple at baseball games and other sporting events, always on hand to supplement the concession stand food. It’s the perfect garnish for a tasty treat — just make sure you pick up an extra napkin so you don’t spill any on your shirt!

It’s good for you

It's well-known in science circles that the elements found in mustard seeds can stop cancer cell growth. Mustard is also used as a remedy for muscle pains and certain types of skin disorders. Mustard seeds come with high levels of calcium, magnesium and potassium. As a great addition to some of your favorite foods, mustard is a low-calorie, low-sugar alternative to other condiments.

You can put it on almost anything

Mustard isn’t just for hot dogs. With all the varieties, it’s the condiment for creatives: if you can dream it, you can achieve it! Try out a breakfast casserole infused with honey Dijon. Bake up some mustard-roasted potatoes. Glaze a ham with honey mustard. If you can’t let go of your traditional roots, have a Chicago-style hot dog with yellow mustard, chopped onions, relish, a pickle spear and tomato slices.

Why We Love National Mustard Day

You can learn all about it at the National Mustard Museum

Located in Middleton, Wisconsin, the National Mustard Museum is the birthplace of National Mustard Day and the Holy Grail for mustard lovers. Started by Barry Levenson in 1992, the museum is home to nearly 6,000 different types of mustards from all over the world. Stop by to see the Great Wall of Mustard, an antique collection of mustard pots, and try out a free mustard tasting! This free museum is open seven days a week.

Host a mustard-tasting

Serve up pretzel rods, hot dog bites and pita bread for guests to test out as many types of mustard, as possible. Hit up your local store to buy out their mustard varieties. You should even try out a local artisan market to see if you can pick up additional, hard-to-find mustards. Place the different kinds in small serving dishes and let everyone try out all the combinations of snacks and toppings.

Make your own mustard

Who says that French’s and Grey Poupon should have the monopoly on good mustard? Try out your own recipe on National Mustard Day. Soak mustard seeds for a full day in your liquid of choice: vinegar, water, wine or even beer. Then, grind up the seeds in a food processor. Make the mustard to your liking by adding your favorite flavors, like brown sugar, honey or tarragon.

Also on Thu Aug 1, 2024...