Mustard Seeds

Related to cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, mustard seeds are from the mustard plant. The origination of mustard seeds can be traced to various regions of Asia and Europe with the brown mustard seeds being native to the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, black mustard seeds from the Middle East and the white or yellow variety originating in the eastern Mediterranean region. Mustard seeds date back almost 5,000 years and are mentioned in ancient Sanskrit writings.

Whole mustard seeds have no noticeable aroma but once ground they are a bit pungent. Cooking releases an acrid, earthy aroma. Black seeds have a strong flavor, brown seeds are a bit bitter, then turning hot and aromatic and yellow (also called white) seeds are at first a bit sweet.