DESCRIPTION - Black mustard seeds are the most intensely flavored of the mustard seeds and are very difficult to obtain, as they cannot be harvested like other mustard seeds. Black mustard seeds are popular in Indian cooking and are typically fried in oil to make them sweeter and nuttier. Mustard seeds are used as a spice and seasoning throughout India, giving curries or dry dishes a unique flavor. Black mustard seeds have a well-deserved reputation for their spicy, pungent aroma and flavor.

PREPARATION AND USE –

• It's added to hot oil and allowed to pop before adding any other ingredients. It's used with curry leaves and masalas to season potatoes and other vegetables prepared as a dry dish, or as a tadka added to sambhar, dals, coconut, or tomato chutney.
• In Bengal, the seeds are also ground into a paste (sometimes in combination with yellow mustard) and used in various types of curries.
• In international cuisine, mustard is commonly used in mayonnaise, barbecue sauces, marinades, salad dressings, etc.
• Black mustard seeds are used with brown mustard seeds in Dijon mustards. It's also used in German Düsseldorf mustard, which is similar to French Dijon mustard but tends to be spicier.
• In South Indian vegetarian dishes, black mustard seeds are "popped" in hot oil or ghee, which enhances their nutty flavor, and then added to chutneys, curries, dals, pickles, sambars, and sauces.
• It is used in curries, lentil soups, roasted vegetables and stir-fried potato dishes.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS –

• Mustard seeds are a good source of magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, etc.
• They stimulate the appetite by increasing salivation
• They are said to help reduce the severity of asthma.
• Mustard seeds are believed to help reduce some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
• They are considered good for stomach disorders and are even believed to prevent cancer.
• In Ayurveda, mustard is used to balance the three doshas: pitta, vata, and kapha.
• It is also considered good for promoting healthy hair and skin.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES – per 100g

• Energy - 2271kJ
• Protein - 26.08g
• Carbohydrate - 28.09g
• Sugar - 6.8g
• Total Fat - 36.24g
• Saturated Fat - 1.99g