Heinz Salad Cream

Salad Cream is a delicious condiment made by the Heinz company, it is similar to, although not a replacement for, mayonnaise and consists of boiled egg yolks, mustard, vinegar, sugar and cream.

A recipe for Salad Cream appeared in Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management and it has been a classic of the British dining table since the 18th century but it was only in 1914 that the Heinz company brought their recipe to market.

I am constantly derided for my love of this classic British condiment, people say that it is 'chav' mayonnaise, I couldn't disagree more:

I love mayonnaise and I love Salad Cream and they both have their place and carry out quite different jobs where they are used.

Salad Cream has a sharper vinegar flavour and is therefore ideal when you want that acidity to really cut through.

Mayonnaise in a fish finger sandwich merely adds some lubrication but with Salad Cream you get a sharp counterpoint to the bland soothing flavour of the cod.

I would never make a potato salad with just Salad Cream, it has too strong a flavour, however make the same salad with just mayonnaise and it is far too bland and rich. A dollop of Salad Cream with a majority of mayonnaise means you get the creamy texture and eggy, olive oil flavour of the mayonnaise whilst the Salad cream cuts through some of the richness adding a much needed tartness to the dish.

Heinz used to market the sauce with the tag line "Everything tastes supreme with Heinz Salad Cream".
Each advert presented a different situation with the common theme being an un-savory meal of some kind. Cue a typical student digs, empty takeaway boxes everywhere and a two week old slice of pizza. Cue a little girl turning her nose up at the grey unappetizing meals her Granny serves her whilst she is staying for the weekend.

This does Salad Cream a disservice in my opinion linking it to cheap and nasty food in the consumers mind.

Heinz Tomato Ketchup can be found on the tables of the lowliest caff to the loftiest Michelin starred restaurant, it's criminal to serve chips with anything else. It is time for Salad Cream to step out from the shadows and take it's place next to it's more popular brother.