Mustard Seeds

Mustard Seeds
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Origin: These seeds vary in color from yellow white to black seeds. The seeds come from a mustard plant.
Mustard seeds have been around for thousands of years and have historic significance in the Bible, the Quran, in the story of the Buddha as well as Jewish texts. They were known to be used in cooking and for medicinal uses. Today, mustard seeds are used in many cuisines. The mustard plant grows easily in many parts of the world. The top producers of mustard seeds are Pakistan, Indian and Canada.

Recipes: Mustard is a versatile plant, the greens can be used as a vegetable and the seeds are used as a spice. This is where we get the popular condiment mustard from as well. Mustard seeds mixed with water and vinegar produce mustard.  Mustard is commonly used on hot dogs and burgers. For a bit of an extra kick, try dijon mustard to flavor salmon, chicken or in a dressing.

The seeds are widely used in cooking as well. Some simple uses for mustard seeds are to fry them and add them to corn or cabbage for a wonderful flavor.

Mustard seeds are also common in Indian recipes. A super easy and one of my favorite dishes to prepare is potatoes with mustard seeds. 
In Bengal, mustard seeds are added to curries to make a delicious fish curry. This dish uses a combination of white and black mustard seeds.

One thing I have learned is when frying mustard seeds with a bit of oil, cover the pan because when the oil heats up, the seeds will crackle and fly all over the place leaving you with a mustard seed mess.

Cures: This popular spice is rich in minerals and used for various medicinal uses.

Mustard seeds can help to reduce asthma, decrease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and provide relief from muscular pains. It is known to help prevent cancer, manage diabetes and detoxify the body.  It is also known to lower high blood pressure, reduce frequency of migraine attacks, maintain cardiac health and help with symptoms of menopause. It is also a good source of fiber.

Mustard seeds have been known to provide relief for a cold and sinus problems and to clear mucus from the air passage. 

Mustard oil can be used to massage on to your body or ground seeds can be used in a tea. An important note to mention is mustard oil can only be used for external use in the US and Canada as it is regulated by the USFDA.

Beauty: For healthy hair, try massaging mustard seed oil and coconut oil onto the scalp for about 15 minutes.

Mustard seed oil is often used for a massage to relieve pain but you should try it on a small area to ensure there’s no rash or swelling. 

All in all, mustard seeds are good to have on your spice rack and the seeds are a great addition to cook with. The oil should only be used externally.

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