Black mustard: description of the variety, useful properties, application, photo

Black mustard is tiny grains with a pungent, bitter taste that are the main ingredient in mustard sauce. In addition, they have numerous medicinal properties and are recommended for many diseases. First of all, this herb stimulates the digestive processes and promotes weight loss.

Origin

Black mustard (Sinapis nigra) is a plant species from the Cabbage family (Latin Brassicaceae). It grows wild in North Africa, in large parts of Asia (Western Asia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, China) and almost throughout Europe. It grows in fields, river banks, thickets and ditches. The name of the mustard stems from the bitter taste of sinapine, which is present in the plant. It is an isosulfide glycoside and is the main ingredient in mustard oil. The plant is cultivated in large quantities to obtain its seeds. Black mustard seeds are used as a spice and the main ingredient in mustard sauce, and are also used to obtain a healthy oil.

Description

The plant has a long, straight and hard stem. It is slightly branched, hairy at the bottom and smooth at the top. Reaches a height of 1.3 meters. The lower leaves grow on oblong petioles and are lyre-shaped, at the top of the plant they are lanceolate. The leaves are rather small, with an irregular margin.

Black mustard (pictured) blooms with tiny yellow flowers with dark veins gathered together. The massively grown mustard fields are reminiscent of rapeseed. The flowering period is June and July. The fruit of the plant is a tetrahedral, erect, pressed to the stem, tuberous pod containing black or dark brown seeds. Seeds are round, smaller than white mustard seeds, 1-2 mm in diameter.

The plant is often grown as a green manure, as it helps to enrich the land with essential nutrients and prevents possible diseases in agricultural crops. Bees also love black mustard; you can get much more honey from it than from other plants.

Composition and useful properties

Mustard seeds are prized for their nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Since they contain a large amount of calories (100 g of seeds provide 508 kcal), they are used in small quantities. Black mustard grains contain a significant amount of valuable proteins (about 27-35%), fat (up to 45%) and fiber (about 12%).

The seeds of the plant are an excellent source of B vitamins such as folate, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, and pantothenic acid. These vitamins help in the synthesis of enzymes in the nervous system and regulate the body's metabolism. Grains contain flavonoids, carotenoids and antioxidants such as carotene, zeaxanthin and lutein, vitamins A, C and K. They contain elements such as calcium, manganese, copper, iron, selenium and zinc.

Omega-3 mustard acids, magnesium and selenium reduce inflammation and help in the treatment of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension. Consuming mustard seeds improves appetite. All types of mustard are rich in sulfur compounds called glucosyl compounds. Their decay under the influence of fragmentation of plant tissues leads to the separation of the enzyme myrosinase, which, in turn, is responsible for the release of volatile essential oils. They give the plant a pungent flavor.

Volatile mustard oils are used medicinally for their warming and stimulating properties, as they have the ability to penetrate nerve endings. Black mustard has diuretic properties and is used as an antiemetic. Medicines based on it are used to treat arthritis and rheumatism. Compresses are used to treat tendonitis and lung diseases. The plant has found application in the treatment of headaches and neuralgia. Black mustard also supports the digestive system. It lowers blood pressure and has antibacterial properties.

The seeds of the plant are a source of curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that reduces the risk of developing tumors, especially of the breast, colon and prostate gland. Mustard flour serves as an antiseptic. The plant is part of tea with a laxative effect.

Mustard oil

Black mustard oil is obtained by cold pressing. It is widely used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. In the food industry, it is used as an addition to salads, and is valued for its taste and aroma. Its composition includes fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid and erucic acid. The favorable ratio of omega-3 acids to omega-6 acids makes it recommended for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

In the cosmetic industry, this product is used for hair care. It has moisturizing and nourishing properties and stimulates hair growth. It is part of balms, masks and creams. The retinol contained in the oil helps exfoliate dead skin, while antioxidants stimulate microcirculation. Mustard oil has traditionally been used to relieve muscle and joint pain and to normalize blood pressure. Thanks to the unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants it contains, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and has a stimulating effect on digestion and blood circulation.

Black mustard - use in traditional medicine

Mustard oil in 2% ethanol solution should be rubbed in a circular motion into sore spots with rheumatic pains.
Compress for bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma. To prepare a compress, dilute 100 g of mustard powder in the same amount of warm water. The resulting gruel should be spread on gauze and placed on the chest, avoiding the heart area. Keep for 15-20 minutes. After several daily procedures, the patient is recovering.
Freckle Brightener: 1 tablespoon of crushed seeds should be mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey. Wipe the freckles several times a day.
Mustard bag. Pour the whole mustard seed into a small oblong cotton bag. Use for discomfort caused by menstrual pain by applying to the abdomen for 20 minutes.

Use in the kitchen

Mustard seeds are also used in cooking. The most famous product that contains these seeds is mustard sauce. Seeds are also used in the preparation of meat dishes. White and black mustard is added to mushrooms, cucumbers and cabbage when canning.

How to make mustard sauce?

Making homemade mustard sauce is extremely easy and takes little time. It is important to note that this product does not contain additives used in mass production such as preservatives or sugar. The sauce can be prepared in several ways (softer or more spicy), depending on your preference, but in any case, you will need:

mustard - 200 g (you can mix different varieties);
wine or apple cider vinegar;
half a glass of water;
half a pinch of salt;
spices such as red and black peppers, garlic, or turmeric.

The grains can be ground or left intact. Add vinegar and water to them and let stand for a day. During this time, the mixture will absorb water, so you must add a few tablespoons of water and stir it to get the right consistency and combine with your chosen spices. Ready-made mustard can be kept in the refrigerator for at least a few weeks.

Mustard ointment. Recipe

Mustard ointment is intended for muscle and joint pain. Ingredients:

mustard powder (50 g);
alcohol (10 g);
raw egg white (100 g);
camphor (50 g).

Preparation:

Pour camphor and rubbing alcohol into a jar, add mustard powder and mix.
Add the protein and stir again to make an ointment.

Store the product in the refrigerator. It must be warmed up before being applied to sore joints and muscles. The ointment should be kept on the body for 10-15 minutes, then rinse the skin with warm water and pat dry with a towel.

Contraindications and side effects

Black mustard should not be kept on the skin for too long. It dilates the blood vessels, which leads to skin redness and burning. Improper use can cause skin damage and, in the worst case, even tissue necrosis.

Black mustard seeds should be ingested in limited quantities because they can cause bleeding of the gastrointestinal mucosa. In addition, the seeds of the plant can lower blood glucose levels, so people with diabetes should consult a healthcare professional before consuming them.

Eating black mustard (for example, large amounts of mustard sauce based on this variety) can damage the prostate gland, kidney tissue and hematuria.