Best Spicy Horseradish Sauce Options and a Bloody Mary Recipe

Embark on a journey through the Silver Spring Foods horseradish sauce plant and discover the history and secrets behind this zesty condiment.

Learning All About Horseradish and Mustard at Silver Spring Foods

Nestled in the heart of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Silver Spring Foods has been a family-owned and operated producer of horseradish and mustards since 1929. 

Their passion for flavor and dedication to quality ingredients shine through in every product they make.

Recently, while attending a conference, I had the opportunity to take a tour of their facility and experience firsthand the magic behind their famous condiments. 

The Tour Experience

Firstly, the tour begins with a warm welcome from the Silver Spring Foods team. 

A brief introduction to the history of Silver Spring Foods, a family-owned company with deep roots in the Eau Claire community. 

Founded over 90 years ago, they’ve been perfecting their craft ever since, using only the finest ingredients and traditional methods to create their signature horseradish and mustard products.

The original recipe was founded by accident by Eric’s great-grandmother.

Our guide, Eric Rygg, fourth-generation horseradish grower and the president of Silver Springs Foods and Huntsinger Farms, was a friendly and knowledgeable individual, provided a fascinating overview of the company’s history.

From its humble beginnings as a family farm to its current status as a leading producer of horseradish and mustards.

Moving on to the Horseradish Warehouse

We then embarked on a journey through the warehouse and production facility. 

After that, we were able to witness the various stages of how horseradish and mustard are transformed from raw ingredients into the condiments we know and love. 

The warehouse is nothing but a huge cold storage room where 1 million to 2 million pounds of horseradish stays until ready to be ground and used in over 400 products.

It was there that Eric pulled out his pocket knife and shaved a piece of the horseradish off the root for us to taste.

From the initial washing and grinding of the fresh horseradish root to the blending and bottling of the final product, the tour offered a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous care and attention to detail that goes into every Silver Spring Foods product.

Back at the Ranch

We headed back to the ranch, (no pun intended) where we had the opportunity to sample a variety of horseradish and mustard flavors. 

From the classic heat of their original horseradish and spicy brown mustard to the tangy sweetness of their honey mustard, each bite was a revelation of flavor and complexity.

They even have a kegerator full of Beer and Brat Mustard with a spicy kick. 

Does Horseradish Need to Be Refrigerated

Yes, horseradish should be refrigerated after it’s opened. 

Keeping it chilled helps maintain its freshness and flavor for a longer period. 

Unopened horseradish should also be stored in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

What is Horseradish Made Of

Horseradish is a condiment made from the grated root of the horseradish plant, which is a member of the Brassicaceae family, the same family as mustard, cabbage, and broccoli. 

If you like hot sauce, a good alternative is horseradish.

The root itself is white and has a strong, pungent flavor.

Prepared horseradish, which is what you typically find in stores, is made from grated horseradish root, vinegar, and salt. Sometimes, other ingredients such as sugar, lemon juice, or citric acid may also be added.

Here’s a quick summary of what horseradish is made of:

• Grated horseradish root: This is the main ingredient in horseradish and is what gives it its characteristic flavor.
• Vinegar: The vinegar helps to preserve the horseradish and also adds a bit of acidity to the flavor.
• Salt: Salt helps to enhance the flavor of the horseradish.

What to Serve Horseradish Sauce With

Horseradish is a versatile condiment that pairs well with various dishes. Here are some popular options:

1. Roast Beef or Prime Rib: Horseradish sauce is a classic accompaniment to roast beef, whether served as a condiment on the side or spread directly onto the meat.
2. Grilled Meat Dishes: It adds a zesty kick to grilled meats like steak, pork chops, or lamb.
3. Seafood: Horseradish complements the flavors of seafood, especially smoked salmon or shrimp cocktail. It’s often served with cocktail sauce for dipping.
4. Potatoes: Mix horseradish into mashed potatoes for a flavorful twist, or serve it alongside roasted potatoes.
5. Sandwiches: Spread horseradish sauce onto seafood pinwheels, and sandwiches, particularly those with roast beef, turkey, or ham.
6. Salads: Add grated horseradish to coleslaw or potato salad for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Sushi: It can be used as a condiment for sushi rolls, adding a spicy element to the flavor profile.
8. Eggs: Horseradish can be mixed into deviled eggs or served alongside scrambled eggs for a unique twist.
9. Soups and Stews: Stir horseradish into chili, creamy soups or stews to add depth of flavor.
10. Cheese Platters: Serve grated horseradish alongside cheese platters, especially with sharp cheeses like cheddar or blue cheese.
11. Vegetables such as Brussels Sprouts: Top off the Brussel Sprouts with a heaping mound of sauce and sour cream.

Remember, horseradish has a strong, spicy flavor, so use it sparingly if you’re not accustomed to its intensity.

Favorite Recipes Made With Horseradish

The Silver Springs Foods team made a few recipes for us to try including a Bloody Mary.

Horseradish is a popular condiment and adds a unique zing to dishes, whether it’s used in sauces, marinades, or as a condiment.

Salad dressings made with ground horseradish has a unique flavor.

Horseradish-Crusted Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets
• ¼ cup prepared horseradish
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Horseradish Potato Salad

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Highlights of the Tour

• Learning about the unique properties of horseradish: The tour guide explained how horseradish is a root vegetable, and how its pungent taste is a result of a chemical reaction that occurs when the root is cut or grated.
• Seeing where and how horseradish is stored: A cold storage room where 1 million to 2 million pounds of horseradish stays until ready to be ground and used in over 400 products.
• Sampling the different products: The tour culminated in a tasting session, where we were able to sample a variety of Silver Spring Foods’ horseradish and mustards, ranging from their classic deli-style to their more adventurous offerings like their horseradish cheddar cheese spread.

Where to Purchase

Most of the horseradish items can be purchased right at you local grocery store.

However, if you cannot find them, they are also available for purchase online.

Growing up With Buffalo’s Millers Horseradish

I was never a fan of spicy foods so horseradish was not one of the things I ate.

However, there was always a big jar Millers horseradish on the door in the refrigerator.

My dad would cover his kielbasa (polish sausage) with it. So much so, that he had tears in his eyes when he was done eating it, lol.

Millers was always made in Buffalo, NY and sold at the Broadway market and has a strong flavor.

And recently I noticed that it was no longer made locally. So, I had asked Eric if he had ever heard of it. 

As it turns out, Millers horseradish is made by Silver Springs Foods. 

Best Horseradish Substitutes

There are many items that can be used in place of horseradish cream sauce if you aren’t a fan.

The best substitute is wasabi paste.

It has a similar flavor profile with a mild heat and is a great alternative.

Overall Impression

In conclusion, the Silver Spring Foods Horseradish Tour was a delightful and informative experience. 

It provided a unique opportunity to learn about the history and production process of these beloved condiments and to appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into making them. 

They also grow corn, soybeans and more and alternate the fields for growing.

But perhaps the most memorable part of the experience was witnessing the dedication of the Silver Spring Foods team. 

Finally, it was clear that they took great pride in their work. Treating each batch with the care and attention it deserved.

I left with a newfound appreciation for these flavorful condiments and a deeper understanding of the passion that goes into making them.

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Final Thoughts

When it comes to adding a kick to your dishes, there’s a plethora of options to choose from.

For those seeking a peppery taste, black radishes can be grated into dishes or thinly sliced for a crunchy texture. Japanese horseradish, commonly known as wasabi, offers a spicy hot mustard flavor that’s unparalleled.

If you’re out of wasabi, a great substitute is a mixture of mustard powder and water, which creates a similar heat.

Alternatively, wasabi oil can lend its tangy flavor to your recipes with just a small amount.

Chinese hot mustard, made from ground mustard seeds, is another common ingredient that provides a creamy texture and rich flavors.

In addition, for those looking for a milder option, mustard oil can be used in place of the real thing, offering a similar texture and milder flavor.

For a more authentic taste, fresh wasabi root, grated or in powder form, is the perfect substitution.

Finally, whether you’re experimenting with specific recipes or catering to personal preferences, there’s a horseradish alternative that best suits your needs.