b'Good Mustard is Hot and SpicyCanadian mustard offers a diverse range of flavours and varie-ties beyond the standard yellow condiment. Kessler emphasizes the importance of mustard having heat and spiciness, distin-guishing it from the milder, yellow mass-produced mustards. Some popular varieties include garlic, fruit and maple, along with classic Dijon mustard. Each variety aims to provide a unique and memorable taste experience.Dry Weather Caused a 2022 Mustard ShortageThe mustard industry, like many agricultural sectors, faces challenges due to weather and climate changes, Mitzel notes. Drought conditions in Canada, particularly in 2021, led to a shortage of mustard seeds and subsequent price hikes. This shortage caused concerns in France, a major consumer of mustard seeds, leading to discussions about reducing depend-Jeremy Kessler is owner of KozliksRick Mitzel is executive director ofence on Canadian imports. To mitigate the impact of weather, Canadian Mustard. SaskMustard. mustard growers have adopted practices such as minimum tillage and variable-rate seeding, while ongoing research focuses on developing drought-tolerant varieties.Mustard Can Control Pests and DiseaseIt All Begins with Growers Apart from being a popular condiment, mustard has other The journey of mustard begins with the growers: mustard seedsintriguing applications. Biofumigation, a technique to con-are cultivated in regions such as Saskatchewan, known for itstrol soil-borne pests and diseases, has gained attention in the favourable environment for mustard production. Grain mer- mustard industry, Mitzel notes. Certain mustard varieties rich chants purchase the mustard directly from growers, ensuringin glucosinolates are grown and worked into the soil, providing the quality meets the standards desired by processors. The mus- natural control measures. tard seeds are then cleaned by processors, who transform them into the various mustard varieties found on store shelves. Sask Mustard, with Mitzel at the helm, helps grow the Saskatchewan mustard industry for the benefit of producers. Sask Mustard funds research, communications and market development programs which are intended to improve yields, decrease inputFor more fascinating insights into Canadian mustard, watch the recorded version of costs, increase demand and create an overall better product. this Seed Speaks episode at germination.ca/mustard48GERMINATION.CAJULY 2023'