Mustard Seed

There are three types of mustard mainly, black mustard (Brassica nigra), brown Indian mustard (B. juncea), or white/yellow mustard (B. hirta/Sinapis alba).The reference of a mustard seed is given in Indian ancient texts called Upanishads to explain the duality of a person's self and the relationship of self with the universe. It is stated that if an individual were to pick a single mustard seed every hundred years from a seven-mile cube worth of mustard seeds, then by the time the last seed is picked, the age of the world cycle would still continue. In the Bible, Jesus tells the Parable of the Mustard Seed referring to faith and the Kingdom of God. There, Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade." Mustard has a history of use as a remedy in traditional medicine dating as far back as ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.

Mustard seeds and leaves both are edible, making it a versatile addition to your diet. Mustard is most often used at the table as a condiment on cold and hot meats. It is also used as an ingredient in mayonnaise, vinaigrette, marinades, and barbecue sauce. It is also a popular accompaniment to Pasta, salads, BBQ sauces, sandwiches, hot dogs, pretzels, bratwurst, curry and Pickles. Mustard leaves are used in salads and vegitable, contain significant amounts of calcium, copper, and vitamins C, A, and K. Aside from its culinary uses, “Mustard seeds are excellent sources of the oil, protein, trace minerals selenium and magnesium, which not only help with cancer prevention, but can also manage symptoms of asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, 2 diabetes, and migraines,”. Mustard oil contains strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It's a great source of glucosinolates and believed to stimulate your body's antioxidant defenses. Isothiocyanates compound is derived from glucosinolates, which helps to prevent cancer cells from growing or spreading. Sinigrin derived from glucosinolates, is responsible for mustard's pungent taste and thought to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and wound-healing properties. mustard oil is used for body massage during extreme winters.