Mustard

Natural Value Organic Horseradish Mustard

If you enjoy the fresh, slightly numbing sensation of horseradish but need a classic mustard kick, this strikes a delicious balance. It smells sharp at first, but mellows.The ingredients list is reassuringly short, free of codes and words created in labs, containing no more than vinegar, mustard seeds, salt, horseradish, turmeric and water. It is certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture.

HK$22, ThreeSixty, 3/F, The Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central

Moutarde de Meaux Pommery

The Pommery family recipe is said to have been unchanged since the 18th century. Similar in appearance to Grey Poupon, this variety from Meaux, just west of Paris, has a pronounced taste of vinegar, a rich savouriness and a delightful grainy texture. It goes well with salad leaves, particularly rocket (arugula), and is perfect with chunky, country-style sausages and roast beef. While the ceramic jar is quaint, the plastic lid needs a rethink. HK$108, Bon Bon Bon, 22 Pottinger Street, Central

Grey Poupon Old Style Mustard

This classic mustard is one of the best-loved of the many French brands. It strikes a good balance between spiciness and tartness, with the added complexity of white wine. However, it is also the only one among the five that contains an additional acidifier (citric acid) and preservative (potassium metabisulphite), although both are used extensively in contemporary food production. HK$30.90, Wellcome, citywide

Daylesford Natural Strong English Mustard

If your nose is blocked, try a dab of this. Hot and sharp, made entirely with ingredients from Daylesford Farm in the Cotswolds, this is the kind of mustard that shoots straight to your sinuses and threatens to invade your brain. It might be a bit much on sandwiches or in salad dressing, but it's perfect with frankfurters or a thick slice of honey-glazed ham. Adding ketchup or apple sauce can soften the blow. HK$60, Oliver's The Delicatessen, 2/F Prince's Bldg, 10 Chater Road, Central

Annie's Naturals Organic Yellow Mustard

For the uninitiated, this is a gentle introduction to the popular condiment. It is certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture and comes in a handy squeeze bottle. However, the use of white vinegar tips the balance of flavours a tad too much to the sour side. If you use it with juicy roast pork, the unpleasantness will be less apparent, but that defeats the purpose of an accompaniment.

HK$45, ThreeSixty, 3/F, The Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central