Mustard seed, the basic building block of our beloved mustard! Find out more about him

There are more than 40 different varieties of mustard, but three are the most popular for culinary use. Come read more about her basic building block, the mustard seed!

Find out why mustard is the second most used spice in the world, and not only because it goes well with all types of meat, pork, poultry and seafood.

Our article brings you all this important and interesting information. Both its health benefits and the recipe for making homemade sauce!

Don’t hesitate and read!

What is a mustard seed?

These are the fruits of the mustard plant, which are mainly used as a spice. All parts of mustard are edible, including the seeds, leaves and flowers, it belongs to the same genus as cabbage.

We classify the herb as an annual plant, which means that the plant grows and dies during one growing season.

Brief history

The black seed variety was already used in ancient times by the Romans and is believed to be a type of mustard seed mentioned in the Bible.

In medieval France, they were mixed with unfermented grape juice (must) and called mout-ardent (burning must), which was corrupted into moutarde in French and mustard in English.

Brown mustard comes from the Himalayas. The white mustard plant originates from the Mediterranean region and can be grown in both cooler and warmer climates. Therefore, due to its versatility, it is among the most popular varieties.

Types of mustard seeds

The market offers different types of mustard seeds namely black, brown, white and yellow.

Black mustard seeds are still very popular in the Middle East and Asia, where they originate. The seeds are removed from the seed coats and are very small. They can be ground into spices or left whole. The seeds are often added to hot oil to enhance its flavor.

Brown mustard seeds are often also called Chinese or Indian mustard. There are different varieties from those with dark brown seed coats to those that are deep yellow.

The white mustard plant bears light brown seeds that are slightly larger than brown mustard seeds. The yellow color is achieved by adding turmeric or a dye during its processing. Thus, yellow mustard comes from the seeds of the white mustard plant.

What do mustard seeds taste like?

Black mustard seeds are the most pungent of the three, but they are also the least common.

Brown mustard seeds are less hot than black but sharper than white mustard seeds.

White mustard seeds are the mildest of all, but still contain a pungent taste. Their spiciness lingers on the tongue rather than wandering through the nose like brown and black seeds. The spiciness is also less intense than the two previous varieties.

Health effects of mustard seed

High content of vitamins and minerals

Nutritional values of mustard seeds (per 100 g)

Mineral and vitamin content (per 100 g)

Cancer prevention

Mustard seeds are full of compounds that prevent the growth of cancer-causing cells in the body. According to some studies, tiny seeds can protect against the influence of carcinogens.

Headache relief

Mustard seeds are also effective for headaches and migraines. The seeds are full of magnesium, which calms our nervous system and relieves pain and tension.

Support for digestive tract health

The seeds are full of fiber, which aids in easy bowel movements and improves the body’s digestive abilities.

Support of the cardiovascular system

Mustard oil is commonly used for people suffering from cardiovascular problems. It helps to control and reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, which is essential for heart health.

Strengthen bones, teeth and gums

They are full of a mineral called selenium, which makes bones stronger. They also help strengthen nails, hair and teeth. Mustard seeds contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components that help relieve gum, bone and tooth pain.

Support for healthy skin

The seeds hydrate your skin, rid you of all impurities and protect your skin from acne.

Prevents aging

The seeds are full of vitamins A, K, and C, which can help reduce the signs of aging.

How to grow a mustard plant

Soil

Mustard prefers fertile, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.

Soil preparation

Make sure the soil is sufficiently fertilized before planting. Work the fertilizer to a maximum depth of 15 cm. If you fertilize with compost, do not work it more than 3 cm into the soil.

How to sprout a mustard seed

Mustard can be sown after the soil reaches 4-5 °C. Seeds germinate best at 12-18°C and require 7-10 days to emerge. Temperatures above 25 °C reduce the ability of seeds to germinate. The seeds should be planted 1 cm deep. It usually takes 5-6 weeks to grow a plant.

Watering

Water the mustard regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Water requirements depend on soil type and temperature. Mulching around the plant also helps conserve soil moisture and limit weed growth.

What is mustard seed good for?

Here are some ideas for what recipes to use mustard seeds in:

• White mustard seeds can be roasted and added to dishes or used for pickling
• They can be ground to make a homemade mustard spice
• You can add them directly to your food or even use mustard oil for cooking
• You can add them to salad dressing, pickles or chutneys
• Make homemade mustard from them

What to replace mustard seeds with?

• Horseradish
• Caraway seeds
• Homemade mustard (see recipe below)
• Wasabi
• Turmeric

Recipe for homemade mustard

Wondering how mustard is made? With our recipe, you will have it ready once or twice.

What you will need

• 240 ml of cold water
• 80 g of yellow dry mustard
• ¾ teaspoon coarse sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• A pinch of paprika
• 120 ml of white vinegar

Method

• Add the water, mustard seeds, salt, turmeric, garlic and paprika to a small saucepan and stir
• Cook the mixture over medium-low to low heat, stirring frequently, until it bubbles into a thick paste, about 30 to 45 minutes.
• Whisk the vinegar into the mustard mixture and continue cooking until it thickens to the desired consistency, which may take another 7 to 15 minutes.
• Allow the mustard to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container
• Finally, cover it and refrigerate for up to 3 months
• The mustard will be spicy for the first few days or even weeks, but the flavor will mellow over time

Tips for recipes with homemade mustard

• Mustard dressing
• Crispy crust on meat roast
• Pasta sauce
• In mashed potatoes
• Crust on salmon and tuna fish fillets
• Steamed mussels
• Butter
• Spicy eggs
• Spaetzle

Where to buy mustard seed?

If you shop at a typical grocery store, look for them in the spice section and you should be able to find the most common yellow mustard seeds.

The seeds are also included in common seasoning mixes for pickling and marinades.

Brown mustard seeds can be found in specialty spice shops, buy them online or in specialty Asian stores, and black mustard seeds can be found in specialty Indian stores or online.

How to store mustard seeds?

Mustard seeds can last up to one year if stored in an airtight container in a dark, dry place.