The History Of Mustard-Based Bbq Sauce: A Southern Favorite

Mustard-based BBQ sauce, also known as Carolina Gold, originated in South Carolina. The roots of this unique sauce can be traced back to German immigrants who brought their love for mustard with them when they settled in the state during the 1700s. The result is a tangy, golden sauce that perfectly complements smoked or grilled meats, particularly pork and chicken. The sauce is typically made with a combination of yellow mustard, honey or brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and pepper, creating a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours. While there is no definitive record of where it was first created, it is believed that the first mustard barbecue sauce recipe was likely developed in rural Orangeburg County near Charleston in the early 1930s.

German settlers in South Carolina added mustard to vinegar-based BBQ sauce

Mustard-based BBQ sauce is tied back to the Germans who populated South Carolina in the 1700s. The German settlers brought with them their love for mustard, and their common use of it in their cuisine. Germans are fond of mustard, which accounts for its early introduction in South Carolina, but its overall flavour is the reason for its enduring popularity.

The first German settlements were in present-day Dorchester County, and then successive waves of settlers moved on up the rivers to the counties of Orangeburg, Lexington, Newberry and the northwestern part of Richland County. These German settlers brought with them, in addition to their European farming style and the Lutheran Church, the common use of mustard. South Carolina mustard sauce can be clearly traced to those German settlers and is still in abundant evidence today, even after 250 years, in the names of the families who sell mustard-based sauces and mustard-based barbecue to the public. The Bessinger family is the most prominent in the mustard-based barbeque business, but other German names are legion in the South Carolina barbeque business – Shealy, Hite, Sweatman, Sikes, Price, Lever, Meyer, Kiser, and Zeigler are other examples and there are many more.

The first mustard barbecue sauce recipe was likely made by someone near Holly Hill, South Carolina, in the early 1930s. In 1939, farmer Joe Bessinger sold one of his cows and used the proceeds to open the Holly Hill Café in Holly Hill, South Carolina. It was here that at least five of Joe Bessinger’s sons learned to cook whole hogs over hickory woods and make their father's signature sweet mustard-based barbecue sauce recipe. Each of those boys and four more of their siblings went on to open or work in barbecue restaurants, serving their own versions of that original “Carolina Gold” sauce recipe.

However, it looks like Joe Bessinger might not have been the first. There is comparable evidence that another famous South Carolina barbecue family, the Sweatmans, may have led the way and later helped Bessinger create his famous sauce. In an interview, one of Bessinger's sons recalled that his father had created the sauce with another man, and that this other man was a Sweatman.

Mustard-based BBQ sauce is a wonderful mix of sweet and tangy and spicy. The main ingredient is yellow mustard, which provides the sauce with its distinctive colour and tangy kick. Honey and brown sugar are added to balance the tanginess of the mustard, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. Apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity and fruity notes, while ketchup adds depth and richness. Worcestershire sauce contributes to the savoury complexity of the mustard sauce, and garlic and black pepper provide layers of flavour and a little kick.

The sauce is golden and tangy

Mustard-based barbecue sauce, also known as Carolina Gold, is a tangy, golden sauce that is said to have originated in South Carolina. The roots of this distinctive sauce can be traced back to the German immigrants who populated the state in the 1700s and brought their love for mustard with them. The result is a sauce with a bold, zesty character that pairs perfectly with smoked or grilled meats, especially pork and chicken.

The key ingredient in Carolina Gold is, of course, mustard, specifically yellow mustard. This gives the sauce its bright yellow colour and tangy kick. To balance the tanginess of the mustard, honey and/or brown sugar are added for sweetness. Apple cider vinegar is also a crucial element, providing acidity and fruity notes. Other common ingredients include ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper, with some recipes also adding a touch of heat with cayenne or hot sauce.

The beauty of this sauce is its versatility. While it is traditionally served with pulled pork or grilled chicken, it can also be used on various cuts of pork ribs, barbecued chicken, or even as an "upgraded" plain mustard on hot dogs. It can also be used as an ingredient in South Carolina hash, a traditional side dish in the region.

The process of making Carolina Gold is relatively simple. The ingredients are combined and simmered for a short time, then cooled and refrigerated to allow the flavours to meld. The result is a sauce that is both tangy and sweet, with a touch of spice that complements the richness of the meat.

So, the next time you fire up the grill, why not give Carolina Gold a try? With its unique flavour profile and golden hue, it's sure to add a touch of magic to your barbecue.

It's served with grilled or smoked meats

Mustard-based BBQ sauce is commonly served with grilled or smoked meats, particularly pork and chicken. It is especially popular in South Carolina, where it is considered a staple at BBQ feasts. The sauce is known for its tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavour, which perfectly complements the richness of grilled meats.

In South Carolina, mustard-based BBQ sauce is often served with "barbecue", which refers to pork cooked low and slow over wood embers. The sauce can be used on pulled pork, or the meat can be tossed in a vinegar-based sauce and then served with the mustard BBQ sauce. It is also commonly served with various cuts of pork ribs and barbecued chicken. Some people even add a little of this mustard sauce to their potato salad or coleslaw for some extra zing!

Mustard-based BBQ sauce is also used in South Carolina hash, a traditional side dish served in roughly half of the state's barbecue joints. For vegetarians and vegans, this sauce can be used to make BBQ jackfruit.

If you're looking for a unique way to serve grilled or smoked meats, why not try a mustard-based BBQ sauce? It's a perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with a hint of spice that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

It's made with yellow mustard

Mustard-based barbecue sauce, also known as Carolina Gold, originated in South Carolina and is characterised by its tangy, golden hue. The sauce is typically made with yellow mustard, which gives it its distinctive colour and tangy flavour. While some recipes may call for other types of mustard, such as dijon or spicy brown, it is generally recommended to stick with classic yellow mustard for an authentic Carolina mustard sauce.

The use of mustard in barbecue sauce is thought to date back to German immigrants in South Carolina during the 1700s. Germans are known for their love of mustard, and it is believed that they introduced it to the region's barbecue sauce. Over time, the use of mustard in barbecue sauce became a defining characteristic of South Carolinian barbecue.

The key ingredients in a traditional Carolina mustard sauce are yellow mustard, a sweetener such as honey or brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper. Some recipes may also include additional spices such as cayenne or hot sauce to add a touch of heat.

When making Carolina mustard sauce, it is important to combine all the ingredients and allow them to simmer over low heat. This helps to blend the flavours and creates a smooth, silky sauce. It is also recommended to make the sauce a day in advance to allow the flavours to meld and develop.

Carolina mustard sauce pairs particularly well with smoked or grilled meats, especially pork and chicken. It can be used as a dipping sauce, drizzled over meats, or added to side dishes like potato salad or coleslaw for an extra punch of flavour.

It's also known as Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Mustard-based barbecue sauce, also known as Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce, can be traced back to South Carolina and its rich history of barbecue influenced by German immigrants who brought their love for mustard with them. This tangy, golden sauce, made with yellow mustard, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and cayenne, is the perfect complement to smoked or grilled meats.

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is known for its sharp mustard flavor and rich golden color, a result of the mustard and vinegar used in its preparation. It is a staple in South Carolina and can be found in many BBQ restaurants throughout the state, as well as in North Carolina.

The sauce is incredibly easy to make and only requires a few simple steps. First, gather all the ingredients and combine them in a mixing bowl or jar. Then, whisk or mix the ingredients until smooth. Next, add the mixture to a small pot and simmer for 5-10 minutes on low heat. Remove from the heat and let it cool. Finally, pour the sauce into a jar, cover, and refrigerate for at least a day to let the flavors develop.

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is delicious when served with pulled pork on a bun, topped with crunchy coleslaw. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled pork chops, chicken, and smoked pork ribs. The tanginess of the sauce shines when paired with smoked meats.

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