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Mustard seed, yellow whole Organic image
[ 1342 ]Sinapis albaORG

Mustard Seed Yellow Whole, Organic

1/4 Pound:  $2.72 Pound:  $6.04 
Mustard seed, yellow, whole image
[ 204 ]Sinapis alba

Mustard Seed Yellow, Whole

1/4 Pound:  $1.45 Pound:  $3.23 
Mustard seed, yellow powder Organic image
[ 424 ]Sinapis albaORG

Mustard Seed Yellow Powder, Organic

1/4 Pound:  $3.33 Pound:  $7.40 
Mustard seed, yellow, powder image
[ 297 ]Sinapis alba

Mustard Seed Yellow, Powder

1/4 Pound:  $2.58 Pound:  $5.73 
Mustard seed, brown, whole image
[ 1281 ]Brassica nigra

Mustard Seed Brown, Whole

1/4 Pound:  $2.00 Pound:  $4.44 
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Sinapis alba & Brassica nigra
plant overview
pickling spice and stain fighter

Mustard is a plant in the cabbage family that is native to Europe and the Mediterranean region. Like other species in the Brassica family, mustard is harvested for its zesty-tasting leaves that are cooked and eaten as a vegetable in summer. Mustard is also grown and harvested for its seeds, which range in color and flavor sharpness depending on variety. Like peppercorns, mustard seed has a long history of use globally and remains one of the most widely traded spices in the world today. In addition to culinary use, mustard seed is used to make heat-producing poultices. Powdered mustard seed is also used as a laundry aid – it helps to break up protein-based stains, such as dried egg yolk.

Clicking "learn more" next to each variety will take you to individual product pages for details.

01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information about the mustard plant

description
Sinapis alba
A member of the Brassicaceae family, the yellow flowers of the plant produce hairy seed pods, with each pod containing roughly a half dozen seeds. These seeds are harvested just prior to the pods becoming ripe and bursting. White mustard seeds are hard round seeds, usually around 1 to 1.5 millimeters in diameter, with a color ranging from beige or yellow to light brown.

Brassica nigra
A member of the Brassicaceae family, the plant itself can grow from two to eight feet tall, with racemes of small yellow flowers. These flowers are usually up to 1/3" across, with four petals each. The leaves are covered in small hairs; they can wilt on hot days, but recover at night.

Despite their similar common names, black mustard and white mustard are not closely related. White mustard has fewer volatile oils and the flavor is considered to be milder than that produced by black mustard seeds.

common names & nomenclature
The specific names for each are from the Latin and are in reference to seed colors; alba meaning "white", nigra meaning "black".

Sinapis alba also known as:
white mustard, brassica alba, brassica hirta

Brassica nigra also known as:
black mustard, Sinapis nigra

Mustard Seed, the pickling spice and stain fighter

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for mustard

Sinapis alba is now widespread worldwide, although it probably originated in the Mediterranean region.

Brassica nigra is believed to be native to the southern Mediterranean region of Europe and possibly South Asia where it has been cultivated for thousands of years.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting mustard

climate
Sinapis alba prefers temperate climates with some humidity. It is grown both in the garden and commercially, and can withstand high temperatures, but very hot days during flowering and ripening may reduce seed quality.

Brassica nigra is often grown in the temperate zone though it is mainly suited to tropical areas, and grown chiefly as a rainfed crop in areas of low or moderate rainfall.

soil
Mustard plants require high nutrient soils with a high level of nitrogen, but may be grown on a wide range of soils from light to heavy, growing best on relatively heavy sandy loamy soils, not suited to very wet soils.

growing
Sow seeds directly in the garden from early spring to late summer. Germination takes place in less than a week.

harvesting
Mustard seeds are harvested just prior to the pods becoming ripe and bursting.

preserving
Store dried seeds (whole or powdered) in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.