The Bold Bite of Garlic Mustard
There's something almost magical about the moment garlic mustard hits your palate. That initial sharp tang from the mustard seeds gives way to the warm, aromatic embrace of garlic, creating a condiment that's both familiar and surprisingly complex. Unlike its milder cousins, garlic mustard doesn't whisper; it announces itself with confidence.
The beauty of garlic mustard lies in its perfect balance of opposing forces. Mustard seeds bring their characteristic heat and acidity, while garlic adds depth and richness that rounds out the sharp edges. When these ingredients meld with vinegar and carefully chosen seasonings, they create something greater than the sum of their parts.
In a world of increasingly bland processed foods, garlic mustard stands as a reminder that bold flavors still have their place at the table. It's proof that sometimes the best culinary innovations come from simply combining two great things and letting them work their magic together. Here are some of our favorite garlic mustards:
Garlic Festival Foods Sweet and Spicy Mustard - This mustard from the Garlic Festival’s selection of delicious garlic-centered condiments and snacks (see their storefront for the rest) is a standout. Don’t miss their Jalapeño Garlic Mustard or their Dill & Garlic Mustard varieties, either.
Aloha Specialties Maui Onion Garlic Mustard - An excellent, perfectly balanced and deeply flavorful mustard. (Don’t miss their delicious Pineapple Mustard)
Paradigm Foodworks Garlic Dill Mustard - The packaging may bring a no-frills vibe, but the flavor is an excellent, complex and delicious.
Cajun Power Spicy Garlic Mustard - Spiciness, and hints of tropical flavors, make this small-batch mustard a real standout.
Terrapin Ridge Farms Creamy Garlic Mustard - A creamy mix of garlic, Neufchatel cheese, and mustard gives this garlic mustard its bold, savory flavor. Their Terrapin Ridge Garlic Kraut Mustard and Terrapin Ridge Farms Champagne Garlic Honey Mustard are both must-try, too.
AJ’s Walla Walla Sweet Onion Garlic Mustard - A versatile, layered mustard that is great on charcuterie boards and deviled eggs. (Try both Original and Dill varieties)
Normal Bishop’s Dill and Garlic Mustard - Complex and layered, and delicious incorporated into a salad dressing.