Mustard Day (Karashi no Hi)
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What Is Mustard Day?
July 16 is "Mustard Day," established in 2017 by the Japan Karashi (Mustard) Cooperative (日本からし協同組合) to mark the founding of its predecessor, the National Mustard Powder Industry Cooperative, on July 16, 1957 — the group's 60th anniversary.
The Background of Mustard Day
Mustard has long been a staple condiment on Japanese tables. The predecessor cooperative was formed by mustard-powder makers nationwide mainly to buy mustard seed jointly and secure a stable supply. The anniversary aims to raise awareness of karashi and promote its many uses.
- Origin event: Founding of the industry association on July 16, 1957
- Theme: Promoting the appeal and versatility of mustard
- Related products: Japanese mustard (karashi) and Western mustard
Trivia About Mustard
- Japanese vs. Western mustard: Japanese karashi has a sharp, pungent kick and intense aroma, while Western mustard often has added sourness and sweetness.
- Dishes that use it: A common condiment for oden, natto, tonkatsu, shumai, and many other dishes.
- Ingredients: Made by grinding the seeds of mustard plants.
- From powder to paste: Households once widely used karashi powder mixed with water; later, ready-to-use "neri karashi" paste appeared.
Where Karashi Comes From
Karashi is made from the seeds of the mustard plant (karashina), a member of the Brassicaceae family. Despite the name "wa-garashi" (Japanese mustard), the plant is said to have originated in Central Asia, and the spice is believed to have reached Japan via India and China.
- Neri karashi: Mustard seed powder kneaded with water becomes neri karashi, also called wa-garashi.
- Western mustard: Made from different varieties such as white mustard seed, with vinegar and other ingredients added, so it tends to be tangier and sweeter and less pungent.
- Wholegrain mustard: Black mustard seeds are used in products such as wholegrain mustard.
How to Enjoy This Day
July 16 is a great day to enjoy dishes with a bit of mustard kick. Try adding a touch of mustard to your usual cooking and notice how it changes the flavor.