5 Surprising Facts About Mustard

As far as condiments go, mustard has enjoyed a particularly long history of popularity. Nonetheless, it still holds a bit of mystery. Here are 5 surprising facts about mustard.

Number 5. It isn’t really bright yellow. Mustard seeds themselves don’t yield that vibrant hue when crushed and blended into a paste. The visual appeal comes from the addition of turmeric.

Number 4. Canada is the mustard seed capital of the world. Each year, the nation produces roughly 225,000 metric tons of the stuff. That accounts for far more than half of the global supply.

Number 3. There’s a mustard museum. It’s called the National Mustard Museum and is located in Middleton, Wisconsin. The institution devoted to the great condiment is open daily, admission-free, and boasts, “the world’s largest mustard collection.”

Number 2. There was once an official mustard maker for the papacy. Pope John Paul XXII, apparently a huge fan of the food, established the position in the early 14th century.

Number 1. Mustard is the overwhelming favorite topping for hot dogs. In a recent survey commissioned by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, 71% of respondents said it’s a go-to for them, making it the highest-ranking condiment in that category.

Which fact about mustard most surprises you?

Which condiment is it? Read the definitions and answer the question.

1. a condiment consisting of puréed tomatoes, onions, vinegar, sugar, spices

2. a thick creamy dressing consisting of egg yolks beaten with oil and vinegar and seasoned

3. a sauce made from grated horseradish root and vinegar

4. a cold sauce, typically eaten with fish, consisting of mayonnaise mixed with chopped onions, gherkins, and capers

5. a piquant sauce often containing vinegar, tomatoes, sugar, and spices and used for barbecuing meat

Key

1. ketchup

2. mayonnaise

3. horseradish sauce

4. tartar sauce

5. barbecue sauce