Mediterranean and Middle East, though the Chinese have been familiar with this plant for over 3000 years.

Etymology
From the Latin Mustum ardens meaning burning must, since the Romans dissolved crushed mustard seeds in grape must (unfermented grape juice) producing a very flavourful mustard. The word became Mwstardd in Celtic and moustarde in Old French, crossing the Channel to become "mustard" in English. The Italians have retained the Latin name Sinapis. Modern French: moutarde