Mostarda comes in several different forms. Listed here:
 

• Mostarda di Cremona is perhaps the most widely available. This style is bursting with plump fruits like mandarin orange, pear and fig.
• Mostarda di Mantova, unlike mostarda from Cremona, is usually made up of a single type of fruit or vegetable, and can range from sweet to spicy.
• Mostarda di Milano has many of the same fruits as mostarda di Cremona but is puréed for a smoother, rounded flavor.
• Mostarda di Uva, which is made from grape must, has a dense texture and tends to be studded with hazelnuts and walnuts.

Serving Note: Store-bought mostarda is like wine and should be “decanted” before serving to release its full flavor.

Mostarda di Cremona

Fieschi
Available online at Formaggio Kitchen.
Fieschi produces a slightly spicy mostarda packed with plump figs and pear among other fruit. This mostarda is particularly suited for garnishing ham.

Sperlari
Available online at Amazon and Taylor's Market.
This is a slightly sweeter variety. The mandarins in particular have a pleasing bite and pair perfectly with gorgonzola or cold roasted pork loin.

Mostarda di Milano

Fieschi
Available online at Formaggio Kitchen
The Fieschi family of mostarda is consistently high-quality. This puréed version of mostarda is slightly sour and adds a nice bite to bollito misto. It also enhances the flavor of a well aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Mostarda di Uva

Il Mongetto
Available online at Ritrovo.
Hailing from Piedmont, where some of Italy’s finest grapes are grown, this mostarda di uva has a sweet, round flavor with chocolate notes. Pair with fontina, spread on a panini, or serve with roasted meat. 

Oliveri
Available online at Ditalia and Amazon.
Also from Piedmont, this mostarda is slightly sharper, with layers of flavor rich in hazelnut. A great match for gorgonzola. It also makes an original and flavorful garnish for grilled pork chops.

April 2009

keywords:

fruit, preserves