Mayonnaise
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Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy emulsion sauce made primarily from oil, egg yolks, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice. It is a foundational condiment in French cuisine, though its origins trace back to the Spanish island of Menorca. It serves as a versatile base for countless other sauces and dressings.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Mayonnaise is extremely high in fat, with a negligible amount of carbohydrates or protein. A single tablespoon provides roughly 100 calories, almost entirely from fat, along with small amounts of vitamin E and vitamin K.
💡 What's interesting
Mayonnaise is a culinary marvel of food science, as it forces two immiscible liquids—oil and water (from the egg yolk and acid)—into a stable, creamy emulsion. Its ability to thicken without heat makes it a uniquely versatile ingredient for cold sauces, dips, and spreads.