Mustard is a condiment made from
the seeds of a mustard plant (white or yellow mustard, Sinapis
hirta; brown or Indian mustard, Brassica juncea; or black mustard,
B. nigra).
The whole, ground, cracked, or bruised mustard seeds are mixed with
water, salt, lemon juice, or other liquids, and sometimes other
flavorings and spices, to create a paste or sauce ranging in color
from bright yellow to dark brown.
English mustard is among the strongest, made from only mustard
flour, water, salt and, sometimes, lemon juice; but not with
vinegar.
French-style Dijon mustard, or moutarde de Dijon, has added vinegar,
and is milder.
Bavarian sweet mustard or Süsser Senf is milder still.
Commonly paired with meats and cheeses, mustard is a popular
addition to hot-dogs, sandwiches and hamburgers.
It is also used as an ingredient in many dressings, glazes, sauces,
marinades & soups; as a cream or a seed, mustard is used in the
cuisine of India, northern Europe, the Mediterranean, North America, and Africa, making it one of the most
popular and widely used spices and condiments in the world.
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