Mustard means different things in different places. In the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa it is likely to mean mustard greens, the sharp green leaves of various plants of the mustard family. It could also refer to the mustard seed, a spice used in cooking. In the West it is more likely to refer to a hot condiment made by crushing mustard seeds and mixing it with any of a number of herbs and vinegar. English mustard is bright yellow, smooth and very hot, while French mustard is inclined to use the whole grains, with complex flavours and be much cooler.