They are small, round seeds from various mustard plants. They are an important spice in many regional foods and can come from one of three different plants: black mustard, brown Indian mustard, or white/yellow mustard.

Brassica nigra is a popular mustard crop worldwide, especially in Asia, where the plant is enjoyed for its edible green leaves and seeds, which are pressed to obtain its oil. Young spring leaves are eaten fresh in salads, and older, larger leaves are boiled or stir-fried.

PREPARATION AND USE

• The seeds are sautéed in oil until they pop and cooked with the other ingredients.
• It is 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. -Mustard seeds are good to use with all types of meats, pork, poultry and seafood.
• Brown mustard seeds are used in cooking, body care recipes, and are pressed to obtain their oil.
• Brown mustard seed is often preferred when making whole-grain and coarse mustard varieties, and can also be added to pickling recipes and herbal foot soaks.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS

• Mustard seeds are loaded with vitamins and minerals.
• Prevent cancer: Mustard seeds are packed with compounds like glucosinolates and myrosinase, which prevent the growth of cancer cells in the body.
• Mustard seeds are also effective when suffering from headaches and migraines. The seeds are packed with magnesium, which calms our nervous system and relieves pain and tension in different parts of our body.
• Mustard seeds are also excellent for the digestive system. If you suffer from indigestion, mustard seeds can help relieve it.
• Mustard oil is commonly used in every Indian household and is quite beneficial for people suffering from cardiovascular problems.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES – per 100g

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