Best English Condiment Types
Maldon sea salt is a traditional hand-harvested sea salt originating from Maldon. The salt has been harvested since 1882 and it’s characterized by the unique pyramid-like flakes. The brine is first evaporated over fires that are mounted on brick openings.
The pyramid-shaped crystals and flakes stop the salt from forming lumps. Maldon sea salt is typically used as a finishing salt – sprinkle it over grilled meat, butter, or vegetables just before serving for the best results. Its low content of magnesium doesn’t give the salt a bitter aftertaste, as many other salts do.
Cornish sea salt is a prized natural salt originating from Cornwall. The original founder, Tony Fraser found a cove on the coast of Cornwall and set up the production methods to harvest the salt from open waters. This sea salt contains serpentine and gabbro, minerals that are rich in magnesium and calcium.
Nowadays, there is a wide range of sea salts and blends, all hand-harvested, crystallized, and with different textures. The flavor of Cornish sea salt is often described as smooth.
Sarson’s malt vinegar is a traditionally brewed and matured malt vinegar that’s produced in Manchester. This type of malt vinegar is made with a combination of barley malt vinegar and barley malt extract. Every year, 7.5 million litres of malt vinegar are produced in Sarson’s factories.
Sarson’s uses traditional methods and wooden vats to make the malt vinegar, which matures over seven days. This condiment is traditionally used with fish and chips, and it can be found in all good chip shops across the United Kingdom.
Worcestershire sauce is a pungent, savory sauce made from anchovies that have been fermented in vinegar, with the addition of flavorings such as garlic, chili, salt, sugar, and onions. The sauce was invented in Worcester by John Wheeley Lea and William Perrins, two chemists who were once visited by Lord Sandys, Governor of Bengal.
He asked Lea and Perrins to make him a concoction based on a recipe he found in India. The duo made the sauce and didn't like it, so they stored it in their cellar, only to be amazed by the flavor after successive tastings. The exact recipe has never been published and remains a secret up to this day.
THE BEST Worcestershire sauce Fish Sauces
English mustard is a traditional mustard variety originating from England. This type of mustard is characterized by its bright yellow color and thick texture. Although it’s often enjoyed as a condiment that’s used with cold or hot meat dishes, English mustard is most commonly used as a flavoring or cooking ingredient due to its strong flavor.
There are many bottled versions containing this mix of yellow and brown mustard seeds, but there’s also the powdered form which is mixed with cold water before use to unleash its full range of heat and flavors. For a milder flavor, mix it with milk instead of water.
Gentleman's Relish is a traditional (and commercially branded) English anchovy paste that's produced by Elsenham Quality Foods, based in Elsenham in Hertfordshire, but it was originally invented by John Osborn in 1828. Traditionally sold in tiny crocks, the paste is made with a combination of anchovies, butter, spices, and herbs.
The recipe is is still a secret. Gentleman's Relish is usually enjoyed thinly scraped on buttered toast, either on its own or with slivered cucumber. Wine and tea make great pairings. The condiment can also be added to eggs or salad dressings, and it's a traditional component of Scotch woodcock.
Best English Condiments
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023
White Balsamic (Blanco) made by Fino is a premium vinegar that captures the rich essence of traditional balsamic but with a lighter, more nuanced profile. This unique condiment is created by cooking the Trebbiano grapes at a lower temperature to ensure the vinegar retains a bright, clear color, and delicate flavor.
It's perfect for enhancing salads, seafood, and even fruits, offering a subtly tangy sweetness without overpowering the original taste of the dish. White Balsamic by Fino is cherished by chefs and home cooks alike for its versatility and refined flavor profile.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2021
Sour Cherry Molasses made by Belazu Ingredient Company is a unique product that combines the tartness of sour cherries with the depth and richness of molasses. This product is carefully crafted to enhance various dishes with its vibrant flavor and deep, reddish color.
It is often used as a versatile ingredient in the kitchen, suitable for drizzling over desserts, stirring into yogurt, or even incorporating into savory dishes such as glazes for meats or dressings for salads. Its unique taste profile is a fine balance between sweet and tart, making it a distinctive addition to any culinary creation.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
Clearspring Organic Japanese Barley Miso Paste - Unpasteurised is a traditional Japanese seasoning made by Clearspring Ltd. This product incorporates organic barley and soybeans, which are fermented to develop a rich, savory flavor profile. The miso paste is unpasteurised, ensuring that it retains live cultures, which contribute to its probiotic properties.
Traditionally used in miso soup, it can also be incorporated into a variety of dishes to add depth and umami flavor. The product is certified organic and adheres to high standards of quality and authenticity in its production process.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
Fino's Dark Balsamic (Crema) is renowned for its rich and robust flavor profile. This product is made from carefully selected grapes and aged to perfection to develop a deep, complex taste. Its smooth, velvety texture makes it a versatile addition to both sweet and savory dishes.
This crema is particularly appreciated for its balanced acidity and sweetness, adding a sophisticated touch to salads, marinades, and desserts.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
Mazzetti Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Gold Label 4 Leaf is known for its high quality and rich, complex flavor profile. It is crafted in Modena, Italy, a region renowned for its tradition of producing some of the finest balsamic vinegars. This particular product achieves a 4-leaf grade, indicating a superior level of maturity and density.
It is typically aged in wooden barrels, which enhances its depth of flavor and luxurious consistency. The Gold Label 4 Leaf is highly versatile, ideal for drizzling over salads, enhancing gourmet dishes, or as a flavorful dip for bread.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
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