Mustard is cultivated in most temperate climates. It is also now grown in certain tropical and sub-tropical regions as a cold-weather crop. Mustard is an erect, multi-branched herbaceous plant that is indigenous to the Mediterranean and Southern Europe.

Mustard, usually used in seed, paste or powdered form is a known spice since ages. This spice was used as a medicinal plant by Pythagoras and Hippocrates, whilst the Romans ground the seeds with wine to produce a sauce not dissimilar to today's mustard. In Denmark and India, it's believed that spreading mustard seeds around the exterior of the home will keep out evil spirits. The ancient Chinese considered mustard an aphrodisiac.

India is a major producer of mustard that is extensively cultivated in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.