Aside from chili peppers, when it comes to spices that create a spicy flavor, mustard is often mentioned. However, not many people know that mustard has numerous health benefits and has a very long history. Today, we will explore what mustard is and provide various information about it!
What is Mustard?
Mustard (translated from French as Moutard or English as Mustard) refers to several plant species from the Brassica and Sinapis genera that have small seeds used as a spice by grinding them and mixing with water, vinegar, or other liquids to form a paste. The seeds can also be pressed to produce mustard oil, and the young leaves can be eaten as greens.
Types of Mustard to Know
1. Green Mustard (Wasabi)
Green Mustard.
Japanese green mustard is made from the Wasabi plant (Wasabia japonica, synonymous with Cochlearia wasabi, Eutrema japonica, Lunaria japonica, Wasabia wasabi, Wasabia pungens), which belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Its root (rhizome) is used as a spice and has an extremely strong flavor. The two main cultivated varieties in the market are W.japonica var.daruma and var.mazuma, which are now grown in Lam Dong for export to Japan.
This is perhaps the most famous and widely used type of mustard in the world. Pure green mustard (referred to as hon-wasabi) is very expensive.
2. Yellow Mustard
This type of mustard is made from the seeds of several plant species (related to rapeseed – Brassica napus) from the Brassica genus, used as a spice by grinding and mixing with water, vinegar, or other liquids to create a yellow paste. The seeds can also be pressed to produce mustard oil, and the young leaves can be eaten as greens.
3. Brown Mustard (Indian Mustard)
This mustard is made from the Juncea variety (Brassica juncea), originating from the foothills of the Himalayas and commercially grown in the UK, Canada, and the United States; black mustard (B. nigra) is grown in Argentina, Chile, the United States, and some European countries. Canada produces about 90% of the mustard in the international market.
4. White Mustard
White mustard is made from the Hirta plant (Sinapis hirta), which grows wild in North Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean region of Europe.
Mustard seeds cleaned, husked, and ground until reaching the required texture. (Source: Internet).
Benefits of Mustard
- Reduces cholesterol, prevents atherosclerosis, regulates blood circulation, and avoids high blood pressure: thanks to its high content of niacin and vitamin B3.
- Controls and alleviates symptoms of asthma, colds, chest congestion, and rheumatoid arthritis: due to high levels of selenium and magnesium which have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Boosts the immune system: due to its high mineral content such as iron, manganese, copper, etc.
- Antioxidant properties, slows aging: due to carotenoids, zeaxanthins, lutein, and vitamins A, C, and K found in mustard.
- Prevents and combats stomach cancer: Mustard seeds are effective in preventing and slowing the progression of stomach cancer.
- Stimulates hair growth: Mustard contains many nutrients that promote hair growth, such as minerals (iron, fatty acids, calcium, magnesium) and beta carotene and various vitamins (especially vitamin A).
- Helps prevent memory loss: According to a study by Tohoku University (Japan), after three months, elderly individuals showed significant improvement in both short-term and long-term memory as well as cognitive abilities after consuming a small amount of wasabi extract daily. This study focused on a bioactive component in the wasabi rhizome named 6-MSITC, which has superior antioxidant properties. The research involved 72 healthy individuals aged 60 to 80, divided into two groups. One group consumed 0.8 mg of 6-MSITC (equivalent to 5 grams of wasabi) daily, while the other received a placebo. After 12 weeks, cognitive test results showed significant improvement in the 6-MSITC group compared to the control group. Long-term memory improved by 18%, and short-term memory by 14%. Additionally, cognitive improvements were notably observed in processing short conversations, simple calculations, and remembering faces and names. Researchers believe that 6-MSITC may reduce inflammation, lower oxidative stress levels, and increase neuroplasticity in the thalamus of the brain responsible for memory function.
Interesting Facts About Mustard
- Mustard is one of the few spices with its own dedicated museum, the National Mustard Museum, located in Alabama, USA. Here, the first Saturday of August is set aside to celebrate and honor this spicy condiment.
- All parts of the mustard plant are usable: young leaves can be included in salads, older leaves can be eaten raw, mustard seeds are used to produce mustard oil, and the flowers are used to garnish dishes.
- The mustard production process is almost similar across varieties. The seeds are cleaned, crushed, and the husks are filtered out, then continuously ground until the desired texture is achieved, depending on the specific standards of each type. Nowadays, machinery is used in the mustard production process, but famous mustard brands often have their own secret techniques.
- In addition to being a spice, mustard can also be used as a facial mask (to soothe and soften the skin). Another use of mustard is as an excellent deodorizer.
- Mustard is believed to have been discovered during the Stone Age, making it a primary spice that added flavor to dishes prepared by ancient European chefs until cultural exchanges with Asian countries led to the discovery of peppercorns.
- According to some reports, mustard was the first spice that humans ever added to their food. Egyptian pharaohs filled their tombs with mustard seeds to accompany them into the afterlife, but the Romans were the first to grind the spicy seeds into a spreadable mixture and mix it with a fragrant liquid, usually wine or vinegar. French monks mixed ground seeds with “must” or unfermented wine, inspiring the term “mustard,” derived from the Latin Mustum Ardens (“burning wine”).
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