This is not a joke ... how do you open a jar of Pommery Mustard?

[ilny]

I purchased a 8.8 oz jar of Pommery Moutarde Royale. It is the one in a ceramic(?) jar that is corked and with a wax seal. I've removed all the wax around the mouth of the jar, only some wax is still left on the cork top. I have run a small knife around the tight space between cork and jar, but can't seem to get the cork to move at all. Am I suppose to use a cork screw? This is quite an expensive jar of mustard and I am trying to not butcher the cork into bits into the mustard. Thanks any experienced advice with opening this product is appreciated.

[Caroline1]

I opened mine by using my kitchen torch to melt the wax, then prying the cork loose. It was a LOT easier to open than the big jar of "traditional" Pommery with the red plastic cap on it. I had to use pliers to get that puppy out! Thank goodness I had saved the cork lids on old jars from years ago because that red plastic thing sucks! The wax on the Royale lid is gold sealing wax, and if you're into old fashioned folderol, you can save it and melt it on the back of envelopes, then seal it with a signet ring or whatever else takes your fancy. I have mine in a zip lock sandiwch bag.

[mexivilla]

Ingenious! But who has a signet ring and who uses envelopes? I guess you could make the wax impression, scan it and add to an email.

[Caroline1]

That'll work! And if you don't have a signet ring, the cap off the toothpaste, an impression of your silverware pattern, or the head of a phillips screw will work just fine. Let's jazz up our emails!

[alkapal]

my latest crock has the red plastic cap, and i use a spoon tip to pry up the edge, or a dull knife.

[Caroline1]

Yeah, but after the hard work of getting it off the first time, there was no way I was going to do that twice. NO way. Thank heaven for old corks! What were they thinking?

[alkapal]

it gets easier, plus i like the good seal. i guess new cork is getting expensive, so it is good you have some old ones.

for the store to tell him to use a corkscrew was…screwy!

[Caroline1]

My personal policy is to never ask a store clerk about anything. First off, there's very little chance they will know the answer, but there is a good chance they'll make something up off the top of their heads just to feel good about how smart they are. And then you're left trying to open a jar with a three inch wide cork lid with a cork screw! The last time I asked a store clerk about something was at Lowe's. I was looking for L braces and not finding them. I asked a clerk. He said they didn't carry L braces. As I was walking out of the store in disgust, I came upon a rack of shelves LOADED with L braces! Store clerks are not a reliable resource for any information.

[mexivilla]

I haven't had a big problem with the cork but the wax drives me nuts. How did you remove the wax on your jar?

[Harters]

Can only suggest sliding the knife a bit deeper down the tight space and gently levering. It usually comes out quite easily.

[ilny]

Yes, that was the solution. I inserted a small knife applying a gentle lift every half inch or so around the whole jar 5 full turns and got it out. I had called the "artisanal" cheese shop where I bought the Pommery and they told me to use a cork screw! Knowing how soft and thin the cork is now I don't think that would ever work. Thin blade a little precision and patience paid off. Thanks!

[thegforceny]

I am not experienced but I googled "how do you open a jar of Pommery Mustard"

http://food52.com/hotline/571-i-have-...

Anything there?