IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT... SALAD DRESSING

Salt of the earth

Dressing light is one of the best ways to wear the heat. A nice summer salad, however, won't complain about a few extra layers. Pick from a range of locally made and imported vinaigrettes, mustards, mayonnaise, vinegars and flavoured oils that are all available off the rack at breezy prices.
    The word "salad" comes from the French 'salade' which stems from the Latin 'salata' or "salty". A simple ingredient like salt can bring out the flavour of ingredients and that was known even to the ancient Romans who not only ate brine-seasoned vegetables but also grasses and herbs sprinkled with salt. Later, Roman and Greek cooks experimented with olive oil, vinegar, salt and various sauces. They were only re-discovering what the Babylonians did 2000 years ago to dress vegetables.
    Until the turn of the 19th century, salad dressings were home-made creations, like the herb one that Henry IV liked with his bowl of
sliced potatoes and sardines, or the mustard one that dressed lettuce and hard-boiled eggs for Mary, Queen of Scots. The kings and queens of Europe were evidently very fond of salads. However, Oriental ones such as the Japanese Wafu (sesame soy sauce dressing) and Fukairi (sesame flavoured dressing) that are available for about Rs 390/200ml, and Thai brands that offer dressings of tamarind, red and yellow salads, and lemongrass with sweet basil and galangal for between Rs 115/200ml to Rs 135/345g, both stocked at Nature's Basket, clearly indicate that salads have been a global phenomenon.
    Today, supermarkets across Mumbai, Roman Stores at 7 Bungalows in Versova, Alfa at Irla, Sahakari Bhandar at Colaba and Rajat Provision Stores at Napean Sea Road stock all trendy trappings from Kraft 100% Fat Free, Weight Watchers' Balsamic, French Style and Honey Mustard (Rs 325/250ml), Salad Magic's range of "No Oil, No Cholesterol" Herb & Garlic and Honey Mustard (Rs. 175/250ml), the Praise brand's Ranch, Coleslaw and Thousand Island (around Rs. 225/ 370ml) and Salad Cream Salad, Italian and French Dressings (Rs 105/250ml) from Remia. Most of the above brands listed do not limit themselves to dressings and also offer regular, flavoured (wasabi, mild curry, and smooth dill to name a few) and fat-free mayonnaises at Rs 105/250ml-Rs 255/500g; American, English and French mustards (including Dijon and balsamic apple) for upwards of Rs 115/370g; olive and other flavoured oils for Rs 150/200ml-Rs 875/250ml;
    Vinegar is one of the oldest known condiments, and a spoonful or two of good quality vinegar can lift many salads. On offer are vinegars of all kinds from Distilled White by Heinz at Rs 130/473ml to a Chinese rice wine at Rs 340/750ml. Raspberry vinegar, one of the most popular types of vinegar flavoured with soft fruit is particularly good used in salad dressings and Borges (of Spain) makes this available in the city at Rs 205/250ml. Balsamic vinegar: sweet, dark and aged in specially treated wooden casks, comes from Italy. It is usually only found at very select establishments in the city and costs about Rs 2,600/250ml.
    Helping to keep the Indian salad scene buzzing, most of the above mentioned stores as well as sports clubs, Farm Products in Colaba, Rakhangi Stores in Worli and Chedda Stores in Kandivali stock "authentic recipe" Creamy Mustard and Oregano French Dressing by Smith & Jones, Ship (established 1883) Brewed Sugarcane and Kalvert Foods Non-Fruit Vinegars for Rs 13/200ml- Rs 69/700ml; for around Rs 68/200g Ranch, Caesar and Pasta Dressings, and eggless, diet eggless, garlic, burger and mint mayonnaises by Fun Foods; regular mayonnaise by Asma Contractor of Acon Home Made Products; fresh and dried herbs; spices, mushrooms, cured meats, olives, jars of antipasti, sundried and semi-dried tomatoes; nuts, and a host of the season's salad must-haves.