The internet is full of fabulous facts about everything from current events to the history basket weaving. As we research for our daily content on food trucks, food carts and street food, we stumble upon some items of knowledge that we just did not know.

We have decided when these fun facts pop up, that we would share them with our readers in our section titled “Did You Know?”

For today’s Did You Know we will look at mustard fun facts.

Mustard Fun Facts: Mustard is a condiment made from the seeds of a mustard plant. 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.

• It is believed that mustard was first cultivated in India around 3000 BC. It was later taken to Britain by the Romans who used it as a condiment and pickling spice.
• Pope John Paul XXII loved mustard so much that in the early 1300’s he created a new Vatican position of mustard-maker to the pope – grand moutardier du pape.
• Our word mustard comes from the Middle English mustarde, meaning condiment; which in turn comes from the Old French mostarde.
• Egyptians tossed mustard seeds onto their food, and sent King Tut to the great beyond with a good supply in his tomb.
• There are about 40 species of mustard plants. The ones used to make the commercial mustard products are the black, brown and white mustard.

Key Date

• August 5th is National Mustard Day.

Fun Facts We May Have Missed

Let us know about any mustard fun facts we missed. Share your ideas in the comment section or our food truck forum. We always love to add to these lists. If we can verify the facts we will give the reader credit in the article.

Reference: Wikipedia facts about Mustard.

Find all of the National Food Holidays to spice up your food truck menu specials throughout the year.