What is Mayonnaise?

The vast majority of mayonnaise consumed these days comes from a jar off the supermarket shelves. Many people are extremely brand-loyal when it comes to prepared mayonnaise. And then there are the mayonnaise versus Miracle Whip salad dressing wars.

One thing is certain: there is a vast difference between prepared commercial mayonnaise and homemade mayonnaise. Even a mayo-hater might be turned into a fan after trying a good homemade mayonnaise.

What is Mayonnaise?

Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy sauce used as a condiment and salad binder. It is an emulsion of egg yolks, lemon juice or vinegar, vegetable or olive oil, and seasonings.

Without egg yolks, this sauce is labeled salad dressing rather than mayonnaise.

United States law requires any prepared mayonnaise contain at least 65 percent oil by weight whereas mayonnaise-type salad dressing must contain no less than 30 percent oil.

Nowadays there are reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free mayonnaise products readily available for those watching their diet, but do not expect them to taste like the real thing. Luckily for low-carb dieters, real mayonnaise is permitted.

More about Mayonnaise and Mayonnaise Recipes:

• Mayonnaise Tips and Hints
• Mayonnaise Spoilage Myths
• What is Mayonnaise?
• Mayonnaise Recipes
_{Mayonnaise Photo © 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.}