Mustard is a specialty grain crop that grows well in cool climates.
It is native to the temperate regions of Europe and was one of the first domesticated crops. It has spread worldwide.
It is used as a pickling spice and as a condiment. Mustard flour is an excellent emulsifier and is added to salad dressing, mayonnaise and processed meats. Some varieties of mustard seed:
- Yellow (brassica hirta): Gisilba, Kirby, Ochre and Tilney
- Oriental (Brassica juncea):Domo, Cutless, Forge and Lethbridge 22
- Brown (Brassica juncea): Blaze and Common Brown
Worldwide production is over 300000 tonnes.
There are six commercial mustard flour mills in the world. Two are in Grand Forks,
North Dakota, and the others are in Berlin,
Wisconsin; Springfield,
Missouri; Hamilton,
Ontario; and Norwich,
United Kingdom.