In January 2017, Heike, the founder of The Hebridean Mustard Company, awoke with a vivid dream: "Mustheb." Though an unfamiliar word, she quickly associated it with the Hebrides, where she lived, and felt compelled to explore its meaning.
After some reflection, a simple but potent idea emerged – mustard, a condiment close to her heart from her childhood in Germany. That day marked the birth of Mustheb, a brand dedicated to producing artisanal mustard on the Isle of Harris, in the Outer Hebrides.
Part One
A Passion for Mustard
Heike's love for mustard runs deep, stemming from her upbringing in Düsseldorf, Germany, a city famous for its mustard. As a child, she spent time in her grandmother’s kitchen, learning the art of pickling and preserving. The process was as much about tradition as it was about taste, and mustard seeds were an integral part of those beloved family recipes. This early experience gave her a deep appreciation for natural, high-quality ingredients, a passion she carried with her to Scotland.
Forever innovative, Heike quickly established the Mustard Shack, selling her products directly from the roadside in Leverburgh. By September 2017, the first jar of Mustheb mustard was sold!
Soon after, she began sharing her creations at local food festivals and craft markets, dedicating herself to mustard-making as her life’s work, with the rhythmic sounds of the stone mill in her kitchen forming a comforting backdrop to her daily routine.
For Heike, mustard is more than just a condiment; it’s a way of enhancing food, a versatile addition to any dish. She set out to remind people that good mustard isn’t just a sidekick to sausages or steaks but an ingredient that elevates cuisine.
Joining the Local Community
Launching a food business in a remote area can feel isolating, but Heike found valuable support from the welcoming locals in her community. Her membership in the Regional Food Group, Eat Drink Hebrides, opened doors to connect with like-minded producers who share her commitment to showcasing the best of the Hebrides.
As part of Visit Outer Hebrides and supported by Scotland Food & Drink, Eat Drink Hebrides promotes food and drink producers both within and beyond the islands, providing members with marketing opportunities and vital connections. Through this network, Heike was able to introduce her mustard to new markets, connecting with SDX Foodies in Glasgow and reaching Auld Hag delicatessen in London, where her mustard is now featured in their popular sandwiches.
Part Three
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Living and running a business in a remote area like the Isle of Harris comes with its own set of challenges. Heike often faces high shipping costs, limited access to suppliers, and complications due to Brexit.
When facing the challenges of lockdown for instance, Heike built a bespoke ‘Mustard Tasting Tent’, offering locals a safe, open-air experience to enjoy local produce as well as providing contactless local deliveries, ensuring that her customers could still enjoy some spice in the depths of the pandemic. The Tasting Tent has since proven to be a crowd-puller, attracting people to the southernmost part of Harris.
Mustheb's commitment to using only high-quality ingredients, ideally organic, means that Heike sometimes spends weeks navigating customs formalities and paperwork to import the necessary mustard seeds and spices from abroad. Despite these hurdles, she remains determined to bring her unique mustard creations to her customers.
One of Heike’s most creative breakthroughs came from her love of experimentation. Inspired by her fondness for liquorice, she spent months developing a liquorice-flavoured mustard, a blend she initially thought might be too unusual for local tastes. However, her persistence paid off, and her Slàinte Liquorice Mustard not only won over customers but also received international recognition, earning gold in the International Flavour Awards and bronze at the Great British Food Awards.
Happiness in the Hebrides
When asked if she’s happy living and working in such a remote location, Heike’s answer is a resounding "yes." The Isle of Harris, with its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, provides endless inspiration for her work. The natural beauty of the Hebrides, combined with the warmth of the local community, makes it a special place to live and create.
Through Mustheb, Heike feels she is contributing to the vibrant food and drink industry in Scotland, playing her small but flavourful part. As she says, "Just like a wee dab of mustard can transform a dish, I like to think Mustheb adds a bit of flavour to Scotland’s food and drink scene."
For Heike, mustard-making is not just a business; it's a lifelong passion. She remains committed to growing Mustheb, continuing to create innovative mustard varieties while navigating the complexities of operating a small business in the Hebrides.
With her ongoing membership of the Eat Drink Hebrides community and her loyal customers, Heike is confident that Mustheb will continue to thrive, adding a dash of German-inspired Hebridean flavour to tables across the world.