What is Mustard?

Mustard is a spice and oilseed crop valued worldwide. It comes from the seeds of the Brassica family, which includes yellow, brown, and black varieties.

The seeds are small, round, and packed with flavor. It is directly used in cooking as a spice, and oil is made out of it. Mustard leaves or ‘Sarso ka saag’ are also consumed as a nutritious leafy vegetable.

Mustard seeds are also used to make mustard sauce and powder. Mustard oil is used in massage, cooking, and traditional medicine due to its strong therapeutic properties.

How is Mustard cultivated?

Mustard grows best in cool regions with healthy and well-drained soil. Cultivation starts after ploughing and levelling the ground. Then the seeds are spread all across the ground. It is noted that the ground remains generally weed-free to promote healthy growth.

Seeds are sown directly into the ground during the winter. Keeping plants at the right distance from one another promotes healthy development. The crop requires very little watering and benefits from organic fertilizers or manure.

Mustard plants mature in 3 to 4 months. The seed pods are gathered once they turn brown and start to dry. The seeds are then extracted from the pods. Later, they are cleaned and prepared for use as oil or spices.