| History & Origin
Mustard is one of the world's most important
spice crops. Throughout history it has been adapted into many
different cuisines by many different cultures. In more recent
times, mustard has been increasingly used in food preparation
for its unique properties. Mustard also has many applications
outside of traditional food ingredient uses. Some types offer
biological and insecticidal properties, and the oil can be used
in the manufacture of biodiesel and other industrial products.
Ancient Mustard
The exact origin of the word mustard is not clear, it may be derived
from the use of seed as a condiment mixed with the sweet must
of old wine called ''mustum ardens'' or hot must. The original
use was likely not as a flavour enhancer as much as a flavour
disguiser, predating the development of safe and efficient methods
food preservation and handling.
Some of the earliest known documentation of
mustard's use dates back to Sumerian and Sanskrit texts from 3000
BC. It has also been described by the Egyptians around 2000 BC
and appeared in Chinese writings before 1000 BC. Mustard has been
referenced by many scholars and factors prominently in the Bible.
Mustard Production Begins
Mustard production began in western Canada in 1936 with 40 hectares
grown in southern Alberta. At that time, the states of California
and Montana monopolized production, but Canadian acreage increased
because of higher yields and better quality. During the 1950s
and 1960s, mustard production migrated east and today, Saskatchewan
accounts for nearly 90 per cent of Canadian mustard production.
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