Mustard

What Is Mustard?

Mustard is a sharp, mildly bitter spice made from the small, round seeds of a plant in the cabbage family. There are three main types: black (Brassica nigra), brown (Brassica juncea), and white/yellow (Sinapis alba); each has a different level of pungency.

The seeds are used whole, ground into a powder, or mixed with water or vinegar to make a paste (mustard sauce).

Nutritional Values of Mustard

Mustard seeds contain about 508 kcal of energy, 26 g of protein, and 36 g of fat per 100 grams, making them higher in fat and protein than many other spices. They are also rich in calcium and magnesium; however, since daily consumption is limited to a pinch, their practical contribution is small.

What Are the Benefits of Mustard?

The glucosinolates in mustard seeds, like those in other members of the cabbage family, have been the subject of research; these studies have not yet led to definitive health recommendations.

This is general information; mustard is a spice, not a medical treatment.

How to Choose Mustard

High-quality mustard seeds are firm, glossy, and uniform in size. If buying prepared mustard sauce, choose a product with fewer additives in the ingredient list.

• When crushed, the seeds should give off a sharp, nose-tingling aroma.
• The color should be black, brown, or yellow, depending on the type; avoid seeds that look faded.
• Prepared mustard sauce should have a tangy but fresh smell.

How to Store Mustard

Whole mustard seeds stay fresh for 2–3 years in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place. Prepared mustard sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for months, but after opening it should be kept in a cool place.

Using Mustard in the Kitchen

Mustard is used whole or as a sauce in pickles, salad dressings, marinades, and meat dishes.

How to Toast Mustard Seeds

Toast mustard seeds in oil over medium heat in a covered pan until they begin to sizzle and pop. This is the first step in many Indian dishes and brings out their pungent aroma.

Which Recipes Use Mustard?

Jarred pickles, salad dressings, marinated meats, and some Indian-style vegetable dishes are among the recipes that most often use mustard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mustard good for?

Mustard seeds are a spice known for glucosinolates, compounds characteristic of the cabbage family. They are a spice, not a medical treatment.

What is the difference between black, brown, and yellow mustard?

Black mustard is the sharpest and hottest, brown mustard has a medium level of pungency, and yellow/white mustard is the mildest and most widely used type. Prepared mustard sauces are generally made from yellow mustard.

Why are mustard seeds used in pickles?

The antimicrobial properties and sharp aroma of mustard seeds have traditionally made them useful for enhancing the flavor of pickles and helping support their shelf life.

How do you make homemade mustard sauce?

Homemade mustard sauce can be made by mixing mustard seeds or powder with vinegar and a little water, then letting the mixture stand for a few days; the resting time mellows its pungency.

Are mustard seeds and mustard sauce the same thing?

No. Mustard seeds are a raw spice, while mustard sauce is a paste made by mixing the seeds with vinegar, water, and spices. They have different flavors and uses.