Mustard

The delightful history of one of the world’s favourite condiments

Whether grainy or smooth, as seed, sauce or oil, spicy or sweet, Dijon, American, Kasundi or English – mustard adds flavour to food and lives around the globe. It is more than a condiment – it is the embodiment of civilization because the story of mustard is the story of medicine, myth and magic.

Mustard: A Global History weaves in and out of kitchens across the world to explore the origins of this humble seed and its use in Greek, Chinese and Yunani medicine, and its place in literature, religion and culture. Demet Güzey shares fascinating anecdotes like mustard plasters being used to treat melancholy, the legend of ‘the mustard seed trail’ and how it came to be ‘the condiment of the poor’.

Packed with fascinating anecdotes and vivid photographs and illustrations, as well as a selection of historic and modern recipes, this is the fascinating story of how a tiny seed made its mark on the world.