Top 8 mustards tested

Made from a plant of the cabbage family, mustard is not only a great addition to our storecupboard, but to our first aid kit too.

Containing sinigrin which converts to allyl isothiocyanate, it aids digestion by stimulating the gastric juices. Also, dried mustard mixed with water on a cloth can be placed on the back to relieve aches and on the chest to treat bronchitis. Try a little on the skin first as it can cause blistering if overdone. And it’s good added to equal parts of lemon, honey, salt and warm water for gargling.

While mustard is a favourite for barbecue food, I often also add it to the end of stir-fries as a thickener and to add zing to soups, particularly in winter. French or English mustard will give a lift to white sauces for simple macaroni cheese and lasagne and to dauphinoise potatoes. Add to the juices left from frying a steak and finish with a splash of cream for an easy sauce. As a coating with breadcrumbs on lamb chops it’s delicious.