The Persian commander Darius had sent his opponent Alexander the Great as a challenge to fight a bag of sesame seed, which was to symbolize the number of its troops. Alexander immediately responded with a small bag of mustard seeds, implying that even though his army number is less, but more "hot" in the battle. But Hippocrates had already begun to use this plant as a remedy. Roman legionaries spread mustard in Europe. The most important feature of the plant is bitter and pungent taste, which is the result of chemical reactions. Two-percent solution of essential oil of mustard is called mustard alcohol and uses it in medicine as a local irritant, along with mustard plasters. The taste of mustard in different countries defines habits of local people. In most European countries and the United States prefer weak or even almost sweet mustard with a lot of supplements. The oldest center for the production of mustard is the French city of Dijon, where it is production from 1634. At the time of Dumas, firm "Maille" is located in the city and serves the high society, produced 24 different varieties of mustard, of which, in the opinion of the writer, the most delicious varieties were with garlic, truffles, anchovies and tarragon. Until now, the mustard in a recipe that includes white wine is especially popular in France from 1777. It is sold in jars or pots of beautiful special form. In England, the city Tewksbury was the center of mustard production until the XVII century. It was produced from powder consisting of lightly crushed mustard seed, which is then mixed with apple juice, cider or vinegar to a paste. Mustard is made in England for over three (3) centuries. This type of mustard is now released under the name of mustards from an ancient recipe. The new product was recognized by even the royal court. At the beginning of the XIX century a young miller Jeremiah Coleman of Norfolk began to produce such a powder. Coleman's firm exists to this day. American mustard is less acute to taste (it is made from the seeds of white plants), with the addition of large amounts of sugar, and liquid. Original Fruit mustard is produced in Italy. Mustard powder, canned fruits, honey and white wine are included in its composition.
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