A long time ago, I gave up eating meat and buying some products from the store. One of them was the mustard. The benefits of it are from the seeds and not from the variety of the products. There are indeed many kinds of it. Yet, it is also true that mustard we buy (not only) contains more unwanted ingredients than mustard seeds. It is the main reason I decided to have homemade mustard on my plate.

Let see where mustard comes from and why is important.

Origin

It probably originates from the Mediterranean region, but various cultivars are grown in Europe.

Presently, mustard is grown in over 21 countries. Major production is happening in Europe, Canada, Nepal, India.  

Types

Mustard seeds are small round seeds of three different plants: white mustard, brown (Indian) mustard and black mustard. The plant reaches about 4-5 feet in height and bears yellow flowers. The seeds are about 1-2 mm in diameter and are found inside a fruit pod.

Generally, there are three main varieties of mustard grown worldwide for use.

White or yellow mustard:    

The seeds are light straw-yellow and slightly larger than the other two varieties. They exhibit mild pungency.

Brown mustard:  

Brown mustard seeds are well-known and generally used in India for centuries.

The seeds are native to sub-Himalayan plains of Northern India. They exhibit a more pungent aroma than the yellow type.  

Black mustard:

The seeds commonly grow in South Asia. They have the highest pungency.

It is well known that mustard is extensively used in Indian, Pakistani and Bangladesh, the Mediterranean and German cooking. As whole seeds, powder form, pastes and/ or oil, all are used in the kitchen.

Benefits of mustard seeds

As you’re probably aware, mustard seeds are a source of benefits, for they contain phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins, and anti-oxidants. Mustard seeds are rich in: 

Calcium – helps bones and teeth

Copper – in the production of red blood cells. It is also thought to be important for infant growth, brain development, the immune system and for strong bones.

Iron – for the red blood cell formation and cellular metabolism

Mangane – cofactor for antioxidant enzymes.

Magnesium – It helps to maintain nerve and muscle function, adjust blood glucose level. It helps bones remain strong, keeps the heartbeat steady and supports the immune system. It also aids in the production of energy and protein.

Phosphorus – Its main function is in the formation of bones and teeth. It is also needed for the growth, maintenance and repair of cells and tissues. 

Potassium – it helps to maintain fluid balance, muscle contraction and nerve signals. 

Selenium – make special proteins called antioxidant enzymes with a role in preventing cell damage.

Sodium – helps to maintain the balance of water in and around cells and maintain stable blood pressure levels. It is important for proper muscle and nerve function. 

Zinc – is a vital nutrient for growth and development, wound healing, and needed for the body’s immune system to properly work. It is also needed for the sense of smell and taste.

Other Benefits:

Mustard seeds have been used in India for centuries. They have been used in recent medication in India and China and also in Europe and North America. See below a table about traditional and present-day medicinal applications of mustard seeds. The table is part of the one presented in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Seeds in Health by Reka Szollosi, pages 671-676 in Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention, 2011.

Traditional and Present-Day Medicinal Applications of Brassica juncea Seeds

Symptoms/Diseases	Effects	Form of Application	Geographic Area of Application
External
Abscesses	Anti-inflammatory	Mustard paste (poultice, plaster)	China, India, North America
Backache	Analgesic	Mustard paste (poultice, plaster)	India
Foot ache	Analgesic	Mustard paste (poultice, plaster)	India
Lumbago	Analgesic	Mustard paste (poultice, plaster)	India
Rheumatism	Analgesic	Mustard paste (poultice, plaster)	China, India
Swelling	Anti-inflammatory	Mustard paste (poultice, plaster)	No data
Internal
Cold	Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial	Mustard paste (poultice, plaster)	China, India
Eruptions	Anti-inflammatory	Mustard paste (poultice, plaster)	China
Pneumonia	Stimulant, expectorant	Mustard paste (poultice, plaster)	No data

Used in small amounts, mustard seeds, and its oil is considered safe for consumption. Mustard seeds are also used as plasters to treat rheumatism, arthritis, chest congestion, back pain, and muscular ache. 

Large quantity may cause varied affection: gastric irritation, stomach, and intestinal mucosa bleeding. It can cause skin burn as prolonged plaster over the skin.

However, I like using mustard for homemade mayonnaise, eggplant paste, cauliflower salad, salad dressings, vegetable burgers … 

My mustard recipe:

I have looked on the internet and found several good recipes. I tried some of them and decided on the simplest and easiest way of doing it. The way I like it.

Usually, I buy mustard seeds from “Dried Fruit”. I pay for a bag of 500 grams a little bit more than the cheapest mustard jar found in the store. 

• 100-150 grams of mustard seeds
• 150 ml apple vinegar
• 50-100 ml of water
• Turmeric
• Honey
• Spices
• Herbs
• 1 tsp of sea salt

Mustard seeds are grounded. I soak the powder in water and apple vinegar for 48 hours. Then, I mix it with spices, sea salt, and honey. Sometimes, I add basil, tarragon, coriander powder, or chilies… I just follow my heart desire. Then, I put the mustard in a jar.

The benefits I have from homemade mustard:

• from 1 bag I make 3-4  jars of mustard
• it is homemade
• I make it with ingredients I choose to
• it is easy to prepare
• tasteful
• cheaper

The recipe I use does not have the intention of teaching you to make mustard as I do. I decided to share it with you because as I did it, everyone can do it. Moreover, we all deserve quality and health in our life.

I wish you tasteful homemade mustard on your plate. 🙂

Photo by Uschi Dugulin from Pixabay 

With Love,

Copyright © 2019 manuela@inalove.world

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