This Is the Only Store-Bought Mayo That Julia Child Used

Julia Child's Mayo Obsession

Julia Child, famous for her French cooking, dedicated an entire episode of her show 'The French Chef' to homemade mayonnaise. She had numerous recipes for different types of homemade mayo, including one made with gelatin. However, despite her preference for homemade, Julia did use store-bought mayonnaise as well.

In the later years of her life, Julia regularly turned to jarred mayo to prepare dishes like tuna and potato salads, as well as her famous salad niçoise. While she was known for her dedication to homemade French-style mayo, she found convenience in store-bought mayo for certain recipes.

Hellmann's Mayo: Julia's Choice

When it comes to store-bought mayonnaise, Julia Child reached for Hellmann's. This revelation came to light through food writer Dorie Greenspan, who shared that while working on the cookbook 'Baking With Julia,' Julia often made tuna salad with Hellmann's mayo for lunch.

Hellmann's mayo is different from Julia's classic French-style mayo. American-style mayo, like Hellmann's, uses whole eggs, lemon juice, and oil, along with seasonings like salt and sometimes sugar. On the other hand, French-style mayo incorporates egg yolks, mustard, lemon juice, and oil, seasoned simply with salt. The variations in ingredients give Hellmann's mayo a lighter texture and milder flavor, making it a suitable choice for Julia's preferred dish – tuna salad.

Originating from a German immigrant and deli owner in New York City in the 1920s, Hellmann's mayo gained popularity and eventually merged with Best Foods mayo. While the recipe became streamlined, the brand retained the Hellmann's label. It became a favorite mayo brand on the east coast, including in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Julia lived for several decades.

Honoring Tradition with Modern Convenience

Julia Child's fondness for Hellmann's mayo demonstrates that even the best home cooks can appreciate both classical cooking methods and modern convenience. While she enjoyed making her own French-style mayo, she recognized the value of using a store-bought option for certain recipes.

In addition to Julia, other food personalities like Ina Garten and Stanley Tucci are also fans of Hellmann's mayo. It has become a trusted and beloved brand among home cooks. So, whether you're a fan of homemade mayo or appreciate the convenience of store-bought, Julia Child's preference for Hellmann's mayo is a testament to its quality and versatility in the kitchen.