If you want to know the different between whole grain mustard vs Dijon, we have given you everything you need to know in this article. Both are condiments that you can use in a variety of dishes such as salads, marinades, sandwiches, deviled eggs, and sauces among other recipes.
Whole grain mustard and Dijon mustard are both prepared types of the mustard seed but with distinct characteristics. The first difference that is easy to note is the texture. Whole grain has course and chunky texture while Dijon feels smooth.
Of course, there are a number of differences that come with these condiments in terms of flavor, texture, and color among other.
Contents
Differentiating Whole Grain Mustard and Dijon Mustard
Here are some of the differences that you will note between whole grain mustard and Dijon:
- Texture: Whole grain mustard is prepared by combining lightly ground mustard seeds with whole mustard seeds while Dijon mustard is prepared using thoroughly ground mustard seeds. For this reason, whole grain mustard has a chunky texture while Dijon mustard has a perfectly smooth consistency.
- Appearance: Whole grain mustard is prepared with whole brown and yellow mustard seeds which give it a speckled brown and yellow appearance. Dijon is prepared with thoroughly ground brown mustard seeds which give it an even dull yellow appearance.
- Smell: Whole grain mustard has a relatively mild smell compared to Dijon mustard. The cause for the mildness is due to the fact that the mustard seeds are not ground. Whole mustard seeds contain a compound called sinigrin. When ground, this enzyme is degraded by myrosinase enzyme to form a compound called allyl isothiocyanate.
- Historical background: whole grain mustard is a more recent invention than the Dijon mustard. Its origin dates back in the 1980s in America. On the other hand, Dijon mustard was invented in the 18th century and its origin is Dijon in France.
For this reason, Dijon mustard is more pungent because the seeds are ground and contain more allyl isothiocyanate. Whole grain mustard is not ground; thus, it contains less allyl isothiocyanate and is relatively mild.
Whole grain vs. Dijon Comparison Table
| Whole grain mustard | Dijon mustard |
| Originated in America in the 1980s | Originated from Dijon in France in the 18th century |
| Features a chunky consistency | Has a perfectly smooth texture |
| Has a speckled brown and yellow appearance | Has an even dull yellow appearance |
| It is relatively mild | It is more pungent |
Whole Grain Mustard vs. Dijon, Can I Substitute One for the Other?
Whole grain mustard is an excellent substitute for Dijon when you crave a milder condiment or one with a distinguishable mouth feel. If you crave something with the smooth texture of Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard is not an ideal substitute unless you first process it in the blender until smooth.
On the other hand, you can substitute whole grain mustard with Dijon for a smoother consistency and more flavor. If smoothness and more flavor is not what you want, Dijon mustard will fail you if the recipe requires a milder and coarser mustard-it will dominate the mild flavors and the texture won’t be as remarkable as that of whole grain mustard.
When to Use Whole Grain and When to Use Dijon Mustard
You can use whole grain mustard as you would use any other type of mustard as long as you are okay with its chunky consistency and mild flavor. Its speckled brown and yellow appearance makes it a striking addition to charcuterie dishes and cheese boards. It’s also great enjoyed in any dressing.
For Dijon mustard, you can use it in any recipe that you would use whole grain mustard- only be sure that it will be smooth and more flavorful. You’ll commonly notice Dijon mustard listed in recipes that have strongly flavored ingredients and also in most marinades.
Conclusion
As outlined in the article, both whole grain mustard and Dijon mustard are versions of mustard seeds with different features that cause them to serve different purposes. You can comfortably switch one for the other in recipes, but be sure that their difference in texture and flavors will affect the outcome. The most striking difference is that whole grain mustard is milder and coarse while Dijon is smooth and more pungent.
