Cycle 13 – Item 88
3 (Sun) April 2022
Taste Test: Bottled Mayo
3.0
by me
at home
-Changgok, Sujeong, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea-
with W, IZ
Planning to make sandwiches on the camping trip, I had neglected to pack the bottle of mayo that we already had in the fridge (Heinz Original Mayonnaise). Upon arrival at the camp grounds, I purchased a new bottle (Ottogi Gold Mayonnaise) at the on-site store. When W came the next day, she stopped by a supermarket and bought, among other things, another bottle (Cheongjeongwon Rich Mayonnaise) for dipping squid that she’d brought to grill.
Back home with open bottles of mayo from 3 different brands, I took the opportunity to conduct a blind taste test.
The test involved 2 rounds. First, as is (dabbed on a teaspoon). Second, in a breadless bread sandwich (see 11.345 Bread Sandwich Deluxe). Sips of water to cleanse the palate in between. Each brand rated on a 4.0 + 4.0 scale. W, IZ, and I, participating.
- Ottogi Gold Mayonnaise (cumulative score 17). My personal favorite. Immediately, in both tasting rounds, I recognized the brand’s distinctively eggy and creamy flavor profile. Best for applications calling for a strong mayo.
- Cheongjeongwon Rich Mayonnaise (cumulative score 16.5). Preferred by both W and IZ. For me, it was fine, but otherwise unremarkable.
- Heinz Original Mayonnaise (cumulative score 13). Everyone’s least favorite. Objectively, however, I appreciated its tanginess, approximating a more authentic French handmade mayo. Good as the basis of mixed sauces that necessitate delicate harmony.
(See also GLOBAL FOOD GLOSSARY)