3. Plochman’s Mustard Originated in Chicago in 1852

Photograph Courtesy of Plochman’s

Moritz Plochman emigrated to Chicago from Germany in 1852. As a trained chemist, he set his sights on mustard, and a local company by the name of Premium Mustard Mills, which he bought in two years. As the company began to grow, as did Moritz’s family, he moved the company near Lake Michigan. By the 1930s, his son Carl took the helm and, expanding again, moving to Cicero, a town just west of Chicago.
In 1957, they began selling their Mustard in a distinctive yellow squeeze barrel, which they received a Trademark for in 1971 under the leadership of the next generation, Carl Jr. In 1985, Kosciusko brand Mustard joined their family, as Carl Plochman III became CEO. Today they are owned by HACO, a food manufacturer headquartered in Gumligen, Switzerland.

2. Annie’s Homegrown Organics Founded in 1989

In 1989, Annie Withey and Andrew Martin set out to make a healthy and delicious macaroni & cheese. Their concept turned into an organic farm located in Hampton, Connecticut, producing vegetables, flowers and condiments for local co-op’s and farmer’s markets. Their slogan – totally natural, and the popularity of their products grew. Especially Annie’s Naturals Organic Mustard, which was purchased by Solera Capital in 2005. As of last September, 2014, Annie’s Naturals was again acquired, this time by General Mills.

1. Beaverton Foods, Inc. Family Owned Since 1929

In 1929, Rose Biggi started Beaverton Foods in the cellar of her farmhouse to help ends meet during the Great Depression. She started by grinding horseradish, bottling it and selling to local shops. Naming a mustard line after her son, Gene, it became one of her most popular items, receiving over one hundred Certificates of Excellence and Awards for quality. Now in their fourth generation, they are still family owned and operating in Beaverton, Oregon.

 Bonus: The National Mustard Museum

Yes, there is a National Mustard Museum. Located in Middleton, Wisconsin, the museum has exotic mustards most have never heard of with names like Fruit Mustard and Spirit Mustard. The World of Mustard goes on way past the eight we bring you today. But if Wisconsin is too far to travel, you can become a “Friend of the Mustard Museum” or join the conversation on their Mustard Blog.
There are many Mustard Brands worthy of discussion, but there are only so many hours in National Mustard Day, and so we will leave mention of the others to the Fine Food Purveyors throughout our City whose shelves are stocked with Colman’s, Edmond Fallot, Pommery, Briards and others. You will even find your favorite stores with their very own Brands like Trader Joe’s Whole Grain Dijon, Whole Foods 365, Herlocher’s Dipping, and then there is Grey Poupon, Guidens, Frenches and on and on. We also want to leave you with the knowledge that there are beneficial properties of Mustard as well. At the end of the day, we think you will find that each of our Eight will “cut the mustard” on National Mustard Day.
Next, check out the top 10 hidden restaurants in New York City. Get in touch with the author at AFineLyne.