Mustard Seed in India
Scientific name: Brassica juncea
Mustard seeds have been very prized culinary oil-seeds being used since before times. The seeds are natural product units acquired from the mustard plant, in the Brassica family. A portion of the nearby individuals from mustards in this family incorporate cabbage, broccoli, brussels-grows, and so on. Mustards are local to Asia Minor, yet nowadays developed as one of the principle business edit in Canada, India, China, and calm atmospheres of the European area.
In general, three main varieties of mustard are grown worldwide for use.
- White mustard seeds (Sinapis alba or Brassica alba): 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 are commonly seen in South Asia. The seeds are sharp and more pungent than other two varieties.
- Brown mustards (Brassica juncea): The seeds are native to sub-Himalayan plains of Northern India.
Health benefits of Mustard seeds :
- Generally perceived as health benefiting spice, mustard seeds are indeed very rich in phyto-nutrients, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants.
- Being one of the chief oil seeds, mustards are indeed very high in calories; 100 g of seeds provide 508 calories. Nonetheless, the seeds are made of quality proteins, essential oils, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
- Mustard seeds are an excellent source of essential B-complex vitamins such as folates, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine (vitaminB-6), pantothenic acid. These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish. These B-complex groups of vitamins help in enzyme synthesis, nervous system function and regulating body metabolism.
- Mustard seeds contain flavonoid and carotenoid antioxidants such as carotenes, zea-xanthin, and lutein. In addition, the seeds compose a small amount of vitamin anti-oxidants such as vitamin A, C, and vitamin K.
