Mayonnaise

What is mayonnaise?: A little history

Mayonnaise, or "mahonesa" as it is also known in Spain, is a cold emulsified sauce made from whole eggs and beaten vegetable oil.

The origin of mayonnaise is a highly debated topic among gastronomic historians:

• One of the most accepted theories is that the sauce comes from Mahón, on the island of Menorca, from where it would have been brought to France in the 18th century after the French occupation of the island. It is said that the Duke of Richelieu, after the conquest of Mahón in 1756, discovered a local sauce made from eggs and oil that he found exquisite. His chef perfected it and introduced it into French gastronomy under the name "mahonesa", which later evolved into "mayonnaise".
• Another theory states that the word "mayonnaise" derives from the French term "moyeu", which means egg yolk, which would explain its base of preparation.
• Despite all these theories, there are records of similar emulsified sauces in Mediterranean cuisine long before the 18th century, such as in Catalan and Italian gastronomy. This means that modern mayonnaise could be an evolution of previous preparations that were perfected over time.

Check out all these quality mayonnaises.

Nutritional information of mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a sauce rich in fats, mainly coming from the oil used in its preparation.

Its nutritional profile varies depending on the ingredients you use, but in general, a serving of 15 grams (approximately one tablespoon) provides:

• Calories: 90-100 kcal
• Total fats: 10-12 g
• Saturated fats: 1-2 g
• Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats: 8-10 g
• Cholesterol: 5-10 mg (depending on the amount of egg)
• Carbohydrates: 0-1 g
• Proteins: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 80-150 mg (depending on the amount of added salt)

So... Is this sauce healthy?

Homemade mayonnaise made with healthy oils such as extra virgin olive oil is a healthier option than commercial versions, which in some cases contain refined oils, preservatives, and additives.

Furthermore, it is a source of healthy fats, necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).

However, due to its high caloric and fat content, it is recommended to consume it in moderation, especially in weight loss diets or in people with cardiovascular problems. It is best to use homemade or light versions as more balanced alternatives.

The classic mayonnaise recipe

Preparing mayonnaise at home is super simple. Here is the traditional recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 medium egg (at room temperature)
• 200 ml of sunflower oil, olive oil, or a mixture (at room temperature)
• 10 ml of vinegar or lemon juice (at room temperature)
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Place the egg in the blender jar.
2. Add the vinegar or lemon juice and salt.
3. Pour in the oil.
4. Insert the blender to the bottom of the jar and start blending without moving it for a few seconds