Mustard: The Greatest Among The Herbs

By:Gwen Nyhus Stewart

Mustard plants have been used for thousands of years for their pungent flavour in condiments, spicy greens for side dishes and salads, and in traditional folk medicine and Chinese herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The name mustard comes from the Latin mustum ardens, or “burning must.” It was so named because as the seeds were pounded with unfermented grape juice, or must, their pungent qualities developed, hence “burning.” Mustards seeds are mentioned in ancient Sanskrit writings dating back about 5,000 years ago and the Bible calls mustard “the greatest among the herbs.” Valued for their intense flavours and healing properties, mustard seed and the plant itself have been grown for its beautiful yellow flowers and spicy seedling leaves. Members of the Brassicaceae family, mustard is a cruciferous vegetable related to cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kale, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, rutabagas, turnips, radishes, horseradish, cress, and broccoli with the attendant phytochemicals properties.

Mustard is categorised as a food, medicine, spice, and condiment. White mustard (Sinapis alba) also known as yellow mustard is a native of North Africa, central Asia, and the Mediterranean. This is the mustard that is used extensively in the production of American prepared mustards, as it is the least pungent. Brown mustard (Brassica juncea) is native to Asia and is the seed used to prepare specialty mustards such as Dijon. Canada is the world’s largest exporter of mustard seed and among the top five producers in the world. Saskatchewan produces over 80% of the domestic total and the brown mustard seed used for Dijon mustard comes from Saskatchewan.

Mustard seeds contain many healing properties and have been used for centuries by Chinese herbalists to treat abscesses, bronchitis, colds, rheumatism, toothache, ulcers, and stomach disorders. They are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, phosphorous, and a good source of iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Mustard seeds have been shown to help reduce the severity of asthma, decrease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and help prevent cancer. Mustard plasters are still being used today to treat rheumatism, arthritis, chest congestion, aching back, and sore muscles. To make a mustard plaster, mix equal parts powered mustard and wheat flour, dilute the mixture with sufficient cold water to achieve a soft paste. Spread on a clean cloth such as cotton flannel, linen, or several layers of muslin. Remember that mustard is a hot herb and contact with the skin may cause blistering and should be avoided. Leave on for approximately 15 minutes. If the patient complains at any time during treatment, remove the plaster immediately. After the plaster is removed, bathe the treated area with cool (not cold) water to stop the burn. Dry the area and finish up with a dusting of baby powder or cornstarch to soothe the skin.

Mustard greens are the leaves of the mustard plant Brassica juncea. Mustard greens originated in the Himalayan region of India and have been grown and consumed for more than 5,000 years. All young mustard leaves can be used for mustard greens, however Chinese mustards or mustard greens (Brassica juncea var. rugosa), broad-leaved mustard greens, or (Brassica juncea var. foliosa), thin-leaved mustard greens, are the best mustards for greens. These varieties are also known as gai choy, Indian mustard, leaf mustard, mustard cabbage, Bamboo mustard cabbage, and Sow cabbage. Mustard greens are a staple vegetable in many cultures around the world. They are used much as spinach, dandelion, or beet greens are used (see recipe for Sautéed Mustard Greens).

Mustard greens are an excellent source of vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. They also contain vitamin B6, folic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, niacin, vitamin A, and are an excellent source of phytochemicals thought to prevent cancer. In Chinese herbal medicine, mustard greens are used to treat bladder inflammations and to stop hemorrhage. Eating mustard greens is thought to offer great benefit to individuals suffering from conditions ranging from asthma to heart disease to menopausal symptoms.

Mustards are annuals and grow from 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall. The flowers produced are yellow and the white mustard flowers have a slight vanilla scent. They are known as cruciferous plants because they have four-petaled flowers, two long and two short that resemble a cross. Both mustards have pungent-flavoured, broad, dark green, jagged with irregularly cut lower leaves. Mustard is a cool season crop and bolts quickly in warm weather.

Mustards can be started indoors or planted directly into the soil in early spring. If you are starting mustards indoors, adequate light is essential. Hang lights 3 inches (7.5 cm) above the seedlings and leave lights on for 16 hours a day. They prefer a rich, moist, well-prepared soil with adequate drainage. Plant seeds at a depth of ¼ inch (6 mm) and follow directions on the seed packet. They grow best in full sun and need to be kept moist during the growing season. Space mustards 6 inches (15 cm) apart. Harvest your mustard plants for greens when the leaves are young and tender, for cooked greens when the leaves are mature, and for seed when the seedpods take on a brownish tinge.

In the kitchen, whole mustard seeds are used in sauerkraut, cabbage, pickles, relishes, curries, sauces, pot roasts, and to flavour meats such as lamb, pork, and rabbit. Use fresh flowers as an edible garnish or cook flowers for 2-3 minutes in boiling salted water. Drain and serve with butter and sea salt to taste. Mustard seeds can be sprouted and used in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish. Young mustard greens are great additions to salads and stir-fry dishes. To make your own mustard condiment, grind, crack, or crush the mustard seeds. Macerate the seeds in wine, vinegar, or water. Make sure the liquid is cold as this causes the chemical reaction that releases the heat and pungency of the seed. Grind them into a smooth paste, adding herbs and spices such as tarragon, horseradish, crushed hot peppers, turmeric, garlic, pepper, paprika, ginger, or hot pepper sauce. Additional options are honey, dark ale, beer, whiskey, wine, wine vinegar, Scotch, or brown sugar. Fruit mustards are made with lemon, lime, orange, or berries. (If you don’t want to bother with grinding your own seed, start with mustard powder or use your favourite prepared mustard and add whatever additions you like.) Prepared mustard is used in vinaigrettes, marinades for meats, poultry, and seafood, mayonnaise, salad dressings, sauces, soups, and stews. Prepared mustards get their intense yellow colour from the addition of turmeric.

Digg del.icio.us Blink Stumble Spurl Reddit Netscape Furl

Article keywords: mustard, plants, seeds, greens, uses in the kitchen, recipes, growing, harvesting

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Gwen Nyhus Stewart, B.S.W., M.G., H.T., is an educator, freelance writer, garden consultant, and author of the book The Healing Garden: A Place Of Peace – Gardening For The Soil, Gardening For The Soul. She owns the website Gwen’s Healing Garden where you will find lots of free information about gardening for the soil and gardening for the soul. To find out more about the book and subscribe to her free Newsletter visit www.gwenshealinggarden.ca

Gwen Nyhus Stewart © 2004 – 2005. All rights reserved.

Top Gardening Articles
1). Mulching Benefits / Organic And Inorganic Mulch Types By : Francis Kilkelly Mulching is the practice of placing a loose surface onto the surface of soil in your flower or vegetable garden in order to protect, insulate and beautify the area. This loose covering is called a mulch and it can be either of an organic or inorganic variety. Examples of mulches include compost, stone and grass clippings. Every gardener should understand the many benefits of mulching the soil in their garden.
2). Beautiful Calla Lilies By : William Berg The Calla Lilies are plants belonging to the Zantedeschia genus in the Araceae family. The genus contains seven plant species and they are all commonly referred to as Calla Lillies. Some of them have other common names as well. Zantedeschia aethiopica is also known as giant white arum lily and common arum lily. Zantedeschia albomaculata is sometimes sold as spotted arum lily, and Zantedeschia rehmannii is known as the pink arum lily.
3). Insecticides & Fungicides/Spreader-stickers, Wetting Agents: By : Thomas Ogren Spreader-stickers, Wetting Agents: Getting the most out of Your SpraysThomas OgrenSpreader-stickers or if you prefer, sticker-spreade
4). Tips On Caring For Orchids By : Lee Dobbins Learn about the special care needs of the exotic orchid.
5). Problem Free Patios, Paving And Paths By : James Kilkelly If you are thinking of creating a patio, courtyard or path within your garden, then I have some helpful information for you. Where to place a path Have a good look at your garden, even if you are just viewing from the comfort of your kitchen, this may give you an idea of where paths should be placed. Viewing a curved pathway, particularly one that wraps behind a border will entice the viewer to exit the house and follow the path to discover what lies at its end.
6). A Guide to Different Types of Shrubs for Your Garden By : Hege Crowton Among the bewildering lists of shrubs, certain names stand out as new and unusual, or, on the other hand, tried and familiar. These include both the evergreen and deciduous types.
7). Clear Clutter At Home With Baskets By : Karen Fritscher-Porter What's an item that can help you organize every room in your home, helps create the appearance that you're a tidy housekeeper (even if you're not),
8). Is There a Fungus Among Us? By : Wallace Conway Mold has taken hold! Not that the microbes have reached out and grabbed us, but rather they have captured our attention. A rash of recent hig
9). Getting to the top with flagpoles By : Tom Are you in search of the most up-to-date help regarding flagpoles. When you are looking for excellent information about flagpoles, it will be eas
10). Decorating Your Home: 5 Style Tips that Cost Less than $50 By : Julie Dana Do you dream of adding style to your home but don’t have a lot of money? Don’t despair! There are 5 things you can do that will help your house lo

New Gardening Articles
1). Introducing Container Gardening By : Christopher Byrnes Learn the basics of container gardening, and how to lay one out for best effect.
2). Is Your Gardening Harming The Environment? By : Christopher Byrnes Learn some of the surprising, but little-known ways in which your gardening can actually benefit the environment, and avoid harming it too.
3). Making Your First Garden By : Joe Bella The first thing in garden making is the selection of a spot. Without a choice, it means simply doing the best one can with conditions. With space limited it resolves itself into no garden, or a box garden. Surely a box garden is better than nothing at all.
4). Dedicating a Hope Patch as a Remembrance Garden By : Dave Pipitone Mourning deceased friends, family and loved ones is difficult work. Creating a remembrance garden to recall them in hope contributes to the healing process.
5). Dream Home Gardening By : Anna Woodward Home gardening is tricky business. Do you ever wonder how you can get your garden to look like those in popular home-and-garden magazines?
6). How To Make Sure Your Wildflowers Survive In Your Home Garden By : Gregg Hall If you have ever taken a walk in the woods you may have seen all the beautiful flowers that can be found right in nature. Did you think to yourself, I wonder what these would look like in my yard? If you have wondered this same thing, here are a few tips for you to make sure your flowers will survive.
7). The Ideal Greenhouse Heaters To Choose From By : Chris Fox Providing information on greenhouse heaters that reviews all the different types of heaters available
8). Avoid Gardening Injuries With The Correct Tools and Techniques By : Brooke Hayles Gardening is a pleasant exercise. Avoid unnecessary injuries or disappointments by using the correct tools and techniques.
9). The Right Gardening Tools Can Make All The Difference! By : Brooke Hayles Taking time to carefully think about and choose your tools could mean a money saving effort on your part. Be sure to pick the tools you need and feel comfortable using, which will help you get your gardening jobs done efficiently and with enjoyment.
10). A Look At Some Of The Basic Tools You Need To Properly Care For Your Care By : Gregg Hall A lawn mower is important when it comes to caring for your lawn, but not the only tool. If you want to have a really great lawn you will need to have a couple other power tools. The power tools that you will need depend on the greenery you have in your yard.