Page Contents
The Untold Truth About Kewpie Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise, the beloved condiment, holds a special place in the hearts and taste buds of many. While there are numerous brands of mayonnaise on the market, one stands out for its unique flavor and versatility: Kewpie Mayonnaise. Originating in Japan, Kewpie Mayonnaise has gained immense popularity around the world. In this article, we will delve into the untold truth of Kewpie mayonnaise, exploring its history, ingredients, cultural significance, and more.
The Japanese Sensation: Kewpie Mayonnaise
Kewpie Mayonnaise has captured the taste buds of millions with its distinctive flavor. According to the Japan Times, Kewpie is the most popular mayo brand in Japan and can be found in almost every household. What sets it apart from American or European mayo brands is its unique flavor profile, which comes from variations in the base ingredients. While slightly lower in calories and fat than American mayo, Kewpie mayo has a richer flavor that makes it more versatile in a variety of dishes.
A Century of Excellence: Kewpie’s History
Kewpie Mayonnaise has a rich history dating back nearly a century. Established in Japan in 1925, Kewpie was the country’s first manufactured mayo. Founder Toichiro Nakashima introduced mayo to Japan after being inspired by his visit to the United States. His vision was to improve the physique of the Japanese people and provide them with a high-quality sauce to enjoy with their traditional dishes. Nakashima’s Shokuhin Kogyo Company, Ltd., which produced various sauces and canned foods, eventually expanded its offerings to include Kewpie Mayonnaise. The iconic Kewpie doll, which has served as the brand’s mascot since its inception, further enhanced the brand’s recognition and popularity.
The Iconic Kewpie Doll: Mascot and Controversy
The Kewpie doll, a cherub-like baby, has been synonymous with the Kewpie brand since 1925. Created by American illustrator Rose O’Neill, the doll was originally designed to spread cheer and kindness. It became a symbol of the women’s suffrage movement and gained immense popularity in the 1920s. Kewpie Mayo adopted the doll as its logo mascot, adding a touch of Americana to the brand. In the late 1990s, however, Kewpie faced a copyright lawsuit from Kazuo Kitagawa, the owner of a doll museum and toy store. The issue was eventually resolved, and the Kewpie doll continues to grace Kewpie mayo bottles today.
Surviving Adversity: Kewpie’s Journey Through World War II
Like many companies during World War II, Kewpie faced production challenges due to ingredient shortages. The company had to halt production of its mayonnaise and other products. However, when the war ended, Kewpie quickly recovered and resumed canned goods production. In 1957, the company officially became Kewpie KK, or QP Corporation, and continued to grow in popularity. In 1958, Kewpie introduced its familiar plastic squeeze bottle, designed to preserve freshness by sealing out oxygen. This innovation, along with the company’s perseverance, contributed to Kewpie’s post-war success.
Ingredients that make Kewpie different
While the basic ingredients of mayonnaise typically include eggs, vinegar, oil, and spices, Kewpie Mayo has a few tweaks that give it a unique flavor and texture. Instead of using whole eggs, Kewpie Mayo uses egg yolks, resulting in a richer flavor and darker color. It also contains vinegar and salt for preservation, vegetable oil, and spices. What sets Kewpie Mayo apart is the choice of vinegar. Kewpie uses apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar, which adds a distinct flavor compared to the standard distilled vinegar used in many mayo recipes. For those who prefer a milder taste, Kewpie offers a Mild Type mayo made with whole eggs.
Kewpie Mayo: A Secret Weapon for Chefs
Kewpie Mayo has gained a loyal following among chefs in Japan and around the world. Renowned chefs such as Tyler Akin, Andrew Zimmern, Niki Nakayama, and Mari Katsumura appreciate its unique flavor and versatility. Chefs praise Kewpie Mayo for its sweeter flavor, balanced acidity, and smooth texture. It can be used as a standalone condiment or incorporated into a variety of dishes to enhance their flavors. From seafood pancakes to fried pork chops, Kewpie Mayo adds a delicious twist to culinary creations. Some chefs even use it as a binding agent in American classics like hamburgers.
Bottom line
Kewpie Mayonnaise is a culinary gem that has captured the hearts of mayo lovers around the world. With its distinctive flavor, unique ingredients and cultural significance, Kewpie Mayo offers a delightful alternative to traditional American or European brands. Whether you’re an experienced chef looking to experiment with new flavors or a mayo aficionado looking for a taste sensation, Kewpie Mayo is worth a try. Step outside your comfort zone and discover the untold truth about Kewpie Mayonnaise, a condiment that has stood the test of time and continues to surprise and delight with its rich and versatile flavor profile.
FAQS
Kewpie Mayonnaise has a unique flavor profile due to variations in the base ingredients. It uses egg yolks instead of whole eggs, resulting in a richer flavor and darker color. In addition, Kewpie Mayo uses apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar, which adds a distinct flavor compared to the standard distilled vinegar used in many mayo recipes.
Is Kewpie Mayonnaise healthier than other brands of mayonnaise?
From a nutritional standpoint, Kewpie Mayo is very similar to other mayo brands, with slight differences in calories and fat content. However, Kewpie Mayo’s unique flavor and versatility often allow for smaller portions, which can be a healthier option overall.
Why is the Kewpie doll associated with Kewpie Mayonnaise?
The Kewpie doll, a cherub-like baby, has been the mascot of Kewpie Mayonnaise since its inception. Created in 1909 by American illustrator Rose O’Neill, the doll has become a symbol of cheerfulness and kindness. Her association with the brand adds a touch of Americana and has contributed to the recognition and popularity of Kewpie Mayo.
Can Kewpie Mayonnaise be used in a variety of dishes?
Absolutely! Kewpie Mayonnaise’s unique flavor makes it more versatile than other mayo brands. It can be used in a variety of dishes that may not work well with American or European brands. From traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisines, Kewpie Mayo adds a delightful twist and enhances the flavors of various recipes.
Are there any controversies surrounding Kewpie Mayonnaise?
In the late 1990s, Kewpie faced a copyright lawsuit from Kazuo Kitagawa, owner of a doll museum and toy store, who claimed rights to the Kewpie doll. However, the issue was eventually resolved and Kewpie Mayo continues to use the iconic doll as its logo mascot.
Why is Kewpie Mayonnaise so popular with chefs?
Kewpie Mayo has gained popularity among chefs for its unique flavor and versatility. Celebrity chefs appreciate its sweeter taste, balanced acidity and smooth texture. It can be used as a standalone condiment or incorporated into a variety of dishes to add depth and enhance flavors. Its popularity among chefs has made it a secret weapon in many culinary creations.