Mustard made from grape must

Grape Must Mustard – a traditional dessert with intense flavor

Grape must mustard is a sweet and delicious specialty with deep historical roots, prepared during the grape harvest season. This recipe stands out for its simple ingredients, but also for a preparation technique that transforms sweet must into a true delicacy. Here’s how you can prepare this captivating dessert, step by step.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the must:
- 5 liters of fermented grape juice (left to ferment for 24 hours)
- 2 handfuls of fine ash from burnt vine branches

For the mustard:
- 1 liter and 500 ml of must
- 150 g of flour or starch
- Cinnamon (optional: a few cloves for a more intense flavor)

Useful tips:
- Choose quality grapes with a high sugar content for a sweeter must. Both red and white grapes work well, but red grapes add a note of flavor complexity.
- The ash from the vine should be fine and well-burned to avoid a bitter taste in the preparation.

Preparing the must

1. Boiling the must:
Start by placing a large pot, about 15-20 liters, over a wood fire. Add the fermented grape juice and the two handfuls of ash. Boil the mixture for about 35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent foam from overflowing.

2. Straining:
Once the must has boiled, let it cool slightly, then strain it to remove the remaining ash at the bottom.

3. Storing:
After straining, pour the obtained must into bottles and keep them in the refrigerator. This sweet must will be the base for the mustard.

Preparing the mustard

1. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, add 1 liter and 500 ml of cold must. Gradually incorporate 150 g of flour or starch, continuously mixing with a fork or by hand to avoid lumps.

2. Thickening:
Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Continue stirring constantly with a wooden spatula to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. After about 30 minutes, the mixture should have a consistency similar to that of pudding.

3. Molding the mustard:
Prepare plates or wet molds with a splash of water. Pour the mustard into them and let it cool.

4. Seasoning:
Finally, dust the mustard with cinnamon. You can also add ground nuts, almonds, or candied orange peels for a more sophisticated look and taste.

Serving

Grape must mustard can be served both as a dessert and as a side dish for savory dishes. It pairs well with aged cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, or grilled meats. It is also delicious when enjoyed on its own, alongside a glass of sweet wine or a fragrant tea.

Preservation option:
If you want to have mustard available for a longer period, you can dry it in the sun for 24 hours, then store it in airtight jars, perfect for winter holidays or to impress friends at a festive meal.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This specialty is relatively high in calories, particularly due to the sugar content from the grapes, but it also offers nutritional benefits, being a source of antioxidants and vitamins. The flour or starch adds carbohydrates, while the addition of nuts or almonds can provide healthy fats and proteins.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use apple or pear juice?
Yes, this recipe allows for adaptations, and fermented apple or pear juice can provide a special flavor.

- How can I enhance the flavor?
Experiment with spices like vanilla or cardamom to customize the taste.

- How long does mustard keep?
Mustard can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week, and the dried version can last for several months.

This grape must mustard recipe is not just a dessert, but a true journey through time, bringing a piece of ancient traditions to your table. By trying it, you will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of history into your kitchen. Enjoy!