While driving around the Napa Valley over the weekend the vineyards were so beautiful with perfect rows of dormant vines surrounded by a blanket of yellow mustard in full bloom. It was such a juxtaposition of resting and blooming.
Many vineyard managers plant mustard as a cover crop. The crop is more than just a feast for the eyes, it is literally a feast for the vines. The plants also help hold the soil in place during the winter rains as well as help suppress microscopic worms that can damage the vines.
Sometime towards the end of March, the mustard is tilled into the soil and provides nutrient amendments for the vines.
I love mustard and have many store bought types in my refrigerator. I decided to try and make some myself. I found some recipes on line, doctored them a bit and made two varieties of delicious mustard.
Grainy Homemade Mustard
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup whole brown mustard seeds
1/4 cup crushed brown mustard seeds
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1/8 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a glass bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature overnight. If it is still slightly watery after sitting over night, put it in a food processor and blend it until it thickens. If this mustard is too spicy for your taste, you can add honey, brown sugar or another sweetener to taste. Transfer to airtight container and refrigerate for up to 6 months.
Classic Yellow Mustard
1 cup water
3/4 cup dry mustard
3/4 teaspoon course sea salt
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
Whisk until smooth all ingredients in a small nonreactive saucepan. Cook mixture over medium-low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat. When cool, place in airtight container and refrigerate for up to 6 months.
This recipe has turmeric in it. Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that has long been used by the Indian and Chinese as a powerful anti-inflammatory medicinal agent to treat a variety of medical conditions.
