Wednesday 14 October 2009

Yellow Mustard Seeds


English Name: Yellow Mustard Seeds ( Brassica juncea)

Common Indian Name (Hindi): Peeli Sarson

  • Mustard is a member of the Brassica family of plants which bears tiny round edible seeds as well as tasty leaves.
  • All mustard seeds are used as a spice in the food. The three most popular varieties of mustard plants for culinary use are:
    • Black Mustard (Brassica nigra), which bears black seeds. This is very popular in the Middle East and Asia Minor where they originated.
    • Brown Mustard ( Brassica juncea). The brown originated in the Himalayans and has virtually replaced the black in American and British kitchens, particularly North American Chinese restaurants.
    • White Mustard ( Brassica alba), originated in the Mediterranean area and bears the light tan seeds which end up as the bright yellow (with the help of a little dye) mustard we apply generously to our hot dogs.
  • Yellow Mustard seeds are not so pungent and sharp and are used more often in cooking as a pickling spice.
  • Mustard not only stimulates the appetite by increasing salivation by up to eight times, it also has digestive, laxative, antiseptic, and circulative stimulant properties.
  • They are strongly preservative and discourage molds and bacteria.
  • Mustard oil is made from B. juncea, providing an oil widely used in India in the same way as ghee.
  • Yellow mustard is beneficial in relieving an aching back or arthritis pain.
  • It is also helpful in Relieving congestion.
  • It is also useful for various applications like meat processing, mustard paste etc.
  • Mustard also contains sulphur, which has been used as a treatment for skin diseases.

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