Types of Mustard Seeds and Their Uses

Mustard is a broadleaf, cruciferous, cool-seasoned annual oilseed crop produced primarily for the condiment market. There are multiple types of mustard that probably have several in the fridge right now, some of which are getting a lot more attention than others. Each type of mustard is made from a precise ratio of the basic types of seeds.

Mustard is the second most-used spice, as the peppercorn only exceeds its usage. There are over 40 different varieties of mustard plants, but three are the most popular for culinary use; black, brown, and white mustard seeds typically go into recipes and making mustard.

There are multiple types of mustard because there are many ways to make it, its sweet counterpart, and ketchup. You may be used to standard yellow prepared mustard, but there are other beautiful varieties of seeds and prepared mustards to experiment with.

Types of Mustard Seeds

Mustard seed is a multi-faceted daily used botanical product with numerous varied varieties. Specifically, Three variants are out of these varieties that is white mustard (Brassica Alba), black mustard (Brassica nigra), and brown mustard (Brassica juncea).

These variants have gained additional popularity and are commercially grown and used for their young flower stalks, leaves, and seeds.

1. White mustard

White mustard (Sinapis Alba) is an annual plant of the family Brassicaceae. It is sometimes also referred to as Brassica Alba or B. hirta. This type of mustard is an erect, sparsely branching plant with irregularly lobed leaves. Each fruit contains up to eight seeds, often called “mustard grains.”

White mustard seeds are hard spheroid seeds, usually around 1.0 to 1.5 mm (0.039 to 0.059 in) in diameter, with a color ranging from beige or yellow to light brown. Interestingly, this plant is also a perfectly edible spice.

Uses of White mustard

• White Mustard Seed is used to treat coughs with profuse phlegm and tuberculosis, pleurisy.
• Seed or its oil is taken internally or externally for cancers, growths of the abdomen, spleen, stomach, throat, uterus or wrist indurations.
• It is used to treat respiratory infections, arthritic joints, chilblains and skin eruptions etc.
• Seeds of this plant are used to prepare a mustard plaster by adding water to the ground seeds, poultices or even added to one’s bathwater.
• The seeds are good for curing Cold and Sinus problems. It provides relief in Respiratory Disorders.
• Seeds are used in poultices for acute local pain, pneumonia, bronchitis, and other disorders of the respiratory organs.
• Mustard seed tea has been suggested as a gargle for sore throat, and it is said to relieve bronchitis and rheumatism.
• When added with water in a balance of 1:3, white mustard seeds have the aptitude to inhibit fungal growth.
• Mustard seeds are used for treating arthritic joints, skin eruptions, respiratory disorders and chilblains.
• Seeds and their oil are used internally and externally in medicine to treat cancers abnormal growths in the stomach, abdomen, uterus, and throat or wrist indurations.
• Seeds are used in poultices to ease severe pains, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other ailments related to the respiratory tract.

2. Black Mustard

Brassica nigra, or black mustard, is an annual plant cultivated for its black or dark brown seeds, naturally used as a spice. Black mustard seeds are tiny little potent flavored seeds used most typically in Indian cooking. The tiny seeds are dark brown with a slightly reddish hue to some seeds. They are the most intense of all mustard seeds.

Black mustard seeds are tiny, solid, flavored seeds commonly used in Indian cooking. This seeds are primarily used in curries, lentil soups, roasted vegetables and sautéed potato dishes. They have multiple benefits since they’re low in calories and high in nutritional value.

Uses of Black Mustard

• Black mustard seeds are typically combined with green chili peppers and curry leaves.
• These seeds are typically added to chutneys and pickles, partly because of their antimicrobial properties.
• Black mustard oil is used for the common cold, painful joints and muscles, and arthritis.
• It is used for causing vomiting relieving water retention by increasing urine production and increasing appetite.
• When applied to the affected area, pneumonia, and painful lung conditions as a by “mustard plaster.”
• Lower back pain is a “mustard plaster when applied to the affected area.”
• Mustard seeds are often used as anti-irritants plasters.
• Black Mustard Seed oil is used in Bengali, Kashmiri, northern Indian dishes. We like to use curries, lentil soups, roasted vegetables, and sautéed potato dishes.
• The seeds are commonly used in Indian cuisine, for example, in curry, known as rai.
• The seeds are usually thrown into hot oil or ghee, after which they pop, releasing a characteristic nutty flavor.

3. Brown Mustard

In many styles of Indian cooking, brown mustard seeds have replaced the role of black mustard seeds because they are milder and easier to accept. They are less spicy, which implies that they can be used liberally in dishes without the risk of defeating them. They are added to curries holding spices and marinades.

Brown mustards have a profoundly elaborate, hot, earthy flavor profile that many favor. This is known as deli mustard to bring cold cuts to life. This mustard is made to stand up against other robustly flavored items like pastrami, roast beef, and sausages, making it a good choice for big, meaty sandwiches.

Uses of Brown Mustard

• Brown mustard seeds have a strong flavor and are typically used to make whole grain and many coarse varieties of mustards.
• This seed is seldom called Indian mustard and is the main mustard used in Indian cuisine.
• These seeds continue to be grown worldwide for use as oilseed and a vegetable.
• It is used in different parts of Europe to make hotter varieties of prepared mustard.
• These seeds are widely used in ayurvedic preparations to cure muscle, rheumatic, and arthritic pains.
• For stimulating hair growth, the brown mustard seed oil is also applied to the scalp in India.
• It is ideal for stimulating the digestive fire and balancing vata and kapha, but possibly too heating for pitta.
• These seeds are beneficial to humans, and there are no side effects noted during the regular use of seeds.
• For seasoning, different practices are done by mixing this seed with herbs, spices, honey, tomato, and others.

Summary

From the types mentioned of Mustard seeds, any seeds are generally used as a substance such as salt in food. These Three types of Mustard seeds may protect against bacteria, fungi, and cancerous cells and lessen inflammation, blood sugar levels, and many other diseases.

Consuming any mustard seed is generally considered secure for almost all people. However, consuming large amounts or applying it directly to the skin may also cause problems.

If you are using any mustard seeds for any disease, consult with your doctor before applying.