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Four Things to Know About Mustard

Mustard has long been an option for gluing sandwiches together. Learn how venerable this condiment is with Groupon’s exploration.

1. Mustard is quite simple—and very, very old. Mustard is made from crushed mustard seeds and liquid, and some form of it has been on the dinner table for centuries. Ancient Romans would grind mustard seeds at their meals; ancient Sumerians would add the tart liquid squeezed from unripened grapes, called mustum in Latin. Even King Tut’s tomb was equipped with enough mustard seeds to last an afterlife. Today’s versions typically include vinegar, and the yellow stuff gets its color from turmeric. The seeds may be ground to powder or only lightly crushed, depending on the desired texture and flavor.

2. Don’t get enough veggies? Eat more mustard. The mustard plant is related to broccoli, kale, and brussels sprouts, and its seeds have significant quantities of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin B1.

3. Grey Poupon’s French-sounding name isn’t just a marketing ploy. Once the Romans brought mustard seed to Gaul, monks there planted it and had a decent mustard business going by the 9th century. The city of Dijon later became known for its contributions, and in 1777, Maurice Grey and Auguste Poupon opened their first mustard shop there. The brand says it’s stuck with the same recipe, which—like all Dijon mustards—includes a little white wine, ever since.

4. The French are still first in mustard consumption per capita, though not by national gross. The United States takes the latter honor, consuming about 235,425 pounds, roughly 0.75 pounds per person per year, while each French citizen eats roughly 1.5 pounds, and all on National Mustard-Guzzling Day. Where does this wealth of mustard come from? Primarily Canada, which produces the largest share of commercial mustard.