Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds have been highly prized culinary oil-seeds being in use since earlier times. The seeds are fruit pods obtained from the mustard plant, in the Brassica family.

Mustards are winter crops. The plant reaches about 4-5 feet in height and bears golden yellow colored flowers. They are tiny, round seeds measuring about one mm in diameter found encased inside a fruit pod.

In general, three main varieties of mustard are grown worldwide for use.

White mustard seeds : The seeds are light straw-yellow colored and are slightly larger than the other two varieties. White seeds exhibit mild pungency.

Black mustards (Brassica nigra): The seeds commonly grow in South Asia. They are sharp and more pungent than the other two varieties.
Brown mustards (Brassica juncea): The seeds are native to sub-Himalayan plains of Northern India.

Mustard seeds are an excellent source of selenium and a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids and manganese. They are also a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, copper and vitamin B1.

Health benefits

• Helps in weight loss
• Helps in lowering cholesterol and stimulating hair growth
• Helps in relieving muscle and arthritic pain
• Anti ageing

Major mustard seeds producing states in India are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Haryana, Assam .