Mustard

What Is Mustard?

Mustard is a sharp, faintly bitter spice made from the small, round seeds of a plant in the brassica family. It has three main varieties — black (Brassica nigra), brown (Brassica juncea), and white/yellow (Sinapis alba) — each with a different degree of pungency.

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

Nutritional Value of Mustard

Mustard seed provides about 508 kcal of energy, 26 g of protein, and 36 g of fat per 100 g, making it more fat- and protein-dense than many other spices. It is also rich in calcium and magnesium; however, since it is only used a pinch at a time, its practical contribution is small.

What Are the Benefits of Mustard?

The glucosinolate compounds in mustard seed, like those in other members of the brassica family, have been studied; this research has not yet turned into a definite health recommendation.

This information is general; mustard is a spice and is not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Mustard

Good-quality mustard seed is hard, glossy, and of even size; if buying prepared mustard sauce, choose products with fewer additives on the ingredient list.

• When crushed, the seeds should give off a sharp, nose-tingling scent.
• The colour should be black, brown, or yellow depending on the variety; avoid pale-looking seeds.
• Prepared mustard sauce should have a tangy but fresh scent.

How to Store Mustard

Whole mustard seed keeps its freshness for 2–3 years in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place. Prepared mustard sauce can be kept in the refrigerator for months, but should be kept cool once opened.

Using Mustard in the Kitchen

Mustard is used in pickles, salad dressings, marinades, and meat dishes, both as seed and as sauce.

How Are Mustard Seeds Toasted?

Mustard seeds are toasted in oil over medium heat in a covered pan until they start to "crackle and pop"; this is the first step of many dishes in Indian cuisine and it brings out the sharp aroma noticeably.

Which Recipes Use Mustard?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mustard good for?

Mustard seed is a spice known for the glucosinolate compounds specific to the brassica family. It is a spice, not a substitute for medical treatment.

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

Black mustard is the sharpest and most pungent, brown mustard has a medium level of pungency, and yellow/white mustard is the mildest and most commonly used; prepared mustard sauces are usually made from yellow mustard.

Why is mustard seed used in pickles?

Mustard seed's antimicrobial properties and sharp aroma have traditionally led to its use both to enrich the flavour of pickles and to support their shelf life.

How do you make homemade mustard sauce?

Mustard seed or powder is mixed with vinegar and a small amount of water and left to rest for a few days to make homemade mustard sauce; the resting period lets the pungency mellow.

Are mustard seed and mustard sauce the same thing?

No, mustard seed is the raw spice, while mustard sauce is these seeds mixed with vinegar, water, and spices and turned into a paste; their flavour and use differ.