Mayonnaise

A jar of mayonnaise

Mayonnaise

• Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy, and stable emulsion made primarily from oil, egg yolk, and an acidic liquid such as vinegar or lemon juice. It is a popular condiment and ingredient in many cuisines, used in various dishes such as sandwiches, salads, and sauces. Mayonnaise can be made with various flavorings and can be found in many commercial varieties, as well as being made from scratch at home.

A jar of mayonnaise

Contents

• 1 History
• 2 Ingredients and Preparation
• 3 Variations
• 4 Culinary Uses
• 5 See also
• 6 References
• 7 External Links

History

• The origin of mayonnaise is debated, with some sources attributing it to the town of Mahón on the island of Minorca, Spain, while others link it to the French word "moyeu," meaning "yolk." Regardless of its origin, mayonnaise became popular in France in the 18th century and later spread to other countries, where it was adapted and incorporated into various culinary traditions.

Ingredients and Preparation

• Traditional mayonnaise is made using the following ingredients:
• Oil: Typically a neutral-tasting oil, such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil, is used.
• Egg yolks: Egg yolks are a natural emulsifier, helping to blend the oil and water-based ingredients together.
• Acidic liquid: Vinegar or lemon juice provides acidity, which helps to stabilize the emulsion and adds flavor.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and sometimes mustard or other seasonings are added to taste.
• To make mayonnaise, the egg yolks, acidic liquid, and seasonings are combined in a bowl or food processor. The oil is then slowly drizzled into the mixture while being whisked or blended continuously, creating a thick and stable emulsion. The process requires patience and precise control, as adding the oil too quickly can cause the emulsion to break or separate.

Variations

• There are numerous variations of mayonnaise, both homemade and commercially available. Some common variations include:
• Aioli: A Mediterranean-style mayonnaise made with garlic and olive oil.
• Miracle Whip: A commercial product similar to mayonnaise, but with a sweeter taste and lower fat content due to the inclusion of high-fructose corn syrup and modified food starch.
• Vegan mayonnaise: A plant-based version of mayonnaise, made without eggs, typically using soy milk, aquafaba, or another plant-based emulsifier.
• Mayonnaise can also be flavored with various herbs, spices, or other ingredients, such as chipotle peppers, sriracha, or truffle oil.

Culinary Uses

• Mayonnaise is a versatile ingredient and condiment, with a wide range of culinary uses, including:
• Sandwich spread: Mayonnaise is often spread on bread or rolls as a base for sandwiches.
• Salad dressing: Mayonnaise is used as a base for many creamy salad dressings, such as coleslaw or potato salad.
• Dipping sauce: Mayonnaise can be served as a dipping sauce for various foods, such as French fries or raw vegetables.
• Baking: Mayonnaise can be used as a fat substitute in some baking recipes, providing moisture and richness.

See also

Aioli Salad dressing Culinary arts Condiment

References

• Davidson, A. (1999). The Oxford Companion to Food.
• Oxford University Press.
• 2. McGee, H. (2004). On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen. Scribner.
• Grigson, J. (2007). "The Art of Making Mayonnaise." The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2007/aug/25/foodanddrink.recipes1
• Child, J. (1961). Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Alfred A. Knopf.

External Links

• Bon Appétit - Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe
• Serious Eats - Two-Minute Mayonnaise Recipe
• Food Network - Mayonnaise Recipe by Alton Brown

In summary, mayonnaise or Mayo is a thick sauce. It is an emulsion of vegetable oil and egg yolk, with either lemon juice or vinegar. It is often used as a condiment for food such as salads, sandwiches and french fries.

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