mustard essence

This is one of the two threads I came across while searching for this 'essential' ingredient to make Mostarda di Cremona. It seems there is a huge amount of misinformation floating about on the web about this. Many recipes use prepared mustard powder or Indian 'mustard oil' or other wrong ingredients. Even Batali got it wrong. The right ingredient is called 'mustard essential oil'. It is steam distilled, not cold pressed like the Indian variant. I finally found a source of the real thing on eBay and posted a new thread on the subject:

https://food52.com/hotline/28721-mustard-essential-oil-olio-essenziale-senape-for-mostarda-di-cremona

What about here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C2SYZN6/?tag=hotdeal80off-20

Hi Mary-- This is the right product. The Italian on the page, -- "Essenza di senape super concentrata ideale per preparare la mostarda" -- means, "super-concentrated mustard essence ideal for the preparation of mostarda."

They were offering larger packages to ship abroad (incl to the US) but now seem to be out of stock and waiting on new inventory. I'll check in every once in a while and see if there is progress!

AntoniaJames, I think it's worth a shot, for sure! I personally would not substitute anything else into a mostarda, so it's the oil or nothing for me :) There really is no comparison whatsoever.

Are you sure that they'll ship to the U.S.? I understand that product has been banned in here as it is considered a national security threat, given that it can be used in chemical warfare. (I'm not kidding. Ever hear of mustard gas?) I've been told that it is extremely strong, i.e., that only a drop or two is all that's needed to flavor mostarda. I'd want to check to see if someone has actually received a shipment of this, delivered to their door, in the U.S. I'd hate to go to the trouble and expense of purchasing it and then find that U.S. customs has confiscated it (at your loss). ;o)

I might want in on that order! Can u first get a sample or confirm this is an acceptable/right product, from an Italian chef, cook, or reputable delicatessen? My mostarda recipe calls for essence of orange & essence of mustard, so I'm looking too.

i found some! shipping is nontrivial compared to price, though. it costs $135 total to ship twelve 15mL bottles to the US (anyone?). http://www.erboristeriagiorgioni.it/senape-essenza/

on the regular product page (not US 12-pack) it says this is what's used to make mostarda.

what about calling or taking a trip to Arthur Avenue grocers or Eataly? Did you send a message to Maria Teresa Jorge for suggestions?

in italy, the essenza di mostarda is purchased in the pharmacy; food purveyors don't carry it, even there. i was hoping (naively) that mustard oil, once i found it, would work (it didn't), and then hoping that someone on here would already have a source online (anyone to the rescue?). there are a multitude of italian grocers nearby as i live in an historic italian neighborhood of brooklyn, but none of them will be carrying what i'm looking for, unfortunately. nor does sahadi's (nor kalustyan's, i imagine). will need to track this down online.

Is there a favorite, authentic Italian restaurant or grocery near you? If so, stop in and talk to them about sourcing.

Bach flower remedies are made from water infusions of flowers in water, in the sun. No culinary application.



Mostarda




Mostarda is an Italian condiment made of candied fruit and a mustard flavoured syrup. Commercially the essential oil of mustard is employed, which has the advantage of transparency; in home cooking mustard powder heated in white wine may be used. Wikipedia

thanks, panfusine-- i actually do have mustard oil, but i've used something stronger making mostarda in italy, purchased at a pharmacy, and am looking for that. i'm think i'm going to try bach brand mustard essence, which comes in a dropper bottle. was just wondering if anyone reading the hotline had a brand recommendation since i'm shooting in the dark a little with no farmacia around!

Mustard oil is a Pantry staple for East Indian (bengali) cuisine and I'd recommend looking for mustard oil from an Indian Grocery store (I usually rely on Dabur Brand).