Mostarda
Mostarda (also called
mostarda di frutta) is an Italian condiment made of
candied fruit and a mustard-flavoured syrup. Commercially the essential oil of mustard is employed, which has the advantage of transparency; in home cooking, mustard powder heated in white wine may be used.
Traditionally mostarda was served with boiled meats, the bollito misto which is a speciality of northern Italian cooking. More recently it has become a popular accompaniment to cheeses.
Variations
Mostarda di Cremona or mostarda cremonese (from Cremona) is made with several kinds of different fruit, and is the version that typifies mostarda di frutta.
Another notable mostarda is
mostarda vicentina, which is a speciality of the town of Vicenza (Veneto); it is characterized by a jam-like consistency and the use of
quince (mele cotogne) as its main ingredient.