We’re all prone to exaggerate from time to time. Here in Australia, we’ll affectionately describe an embellished story as one that’s got a good dollop of mayo on it.
It’s unlikely this local turn of phrase ever reached the ears of Richard Hellmann, the New York-based grocer who created and refined the legendary taste of Hellmann’s mayonnaise back in the early 1900s.
Born in Germany, Richard developed his love of food and business when he worked at a local market, before landing a role at a British food-wholesaling firm. He obviously loved travel; soon enough he found himself in New York. Richard met his wife Margaret here and they opened Hellmann’s Deli in downtown Manhattan shortly after being married. That was when Richard set about perfecting a real mayonnaise that he’d be proud to put his name to.
When it finally arrived, it bore a distinctive blue ribbon, a symbol that remains to this day as a reminder of its authentic deli origins.
Richard Hellmann lived to the grand old age of 94. If he were around today, we reckon he’d be thrilled with the enduring popularity of the mayonnaise that bears his name. He’d be even happier that Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise continues to be made to an authentic egg yolk recipe, just as it was when he created it.
The Richard Hellmann story is one of true persistence and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Best of all, there’s not an ounce of mayo on it!
