Mustard

 You may have heard that France is having a mustard crisis. There is little or none to be had in stores all across the country. Canada grows most of the seeds used in French mustards. A hot, dry summer devastated the yield last year. Farms in Ukraine have been another traditional source. Looking at the shelves of a typical US grocery store, there is no shortage of mustard. But the bright yellow stuff we squeeze onto a hot dog is not at all what French families whisk into a good vinaigrette. I don't think our traditional yellow goo would...well, cut the mustard for most culinary purposes in France. Luckily, the current crop of mustard seeds are about to be harvested. Soon, families will once again be well-stocked with that essential condiment.