Black Mustard

What is black mustard?

You all know yellow mustard, but do you know black mustard? No ? Yet it is the one that is historically used to make Dijon mustard. Let me introduce you to it.

Black mustard is an annual plant of the Brassicaceae family. It is also called black mustard (Brassica nigra). This plant provides us with magnificent black seeds that can also be used to prepare condiments. It is also used in certain homeopathic treatments.

Although Theophrastus mentioned black mustard four centuries before our era, it was not until the Middle Ages that the seeds were used to create condiments. They are crushed to obtain a very tasty paste.

Black mustard originates from the Mediterranean basin. Today, it is grown in France, but also in many countries in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia such as Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, India and even Scandinavia. Canada is also a very large producer of black mustard.

What is the flavor of black mustard?

Black mustard seeds have an intense flavour, more available than yellow mustard seeds. If you toast it lightly, it develops very interesting notes of hazelnut.

The harvest of the black mustard

Black mustard is a herbaceous plant with a bristly, hairy base. It grows to a height of about one metre. It develops pretty yellow flowers from April to October. They then give way to red seeds that turn black when mature. This is when they are harvested.

How to use black mustard?

You can use black mustard seed without processing it. But you can also grind or crush it.

Our recipe ideas with black mustard

Garden pickles with black mustard

Do you have a vegetable garden and grow your own pickles? To give them flavour, it's important to mix them with some herbs. Put your pickles in a jar with white vinegar and add small onions, tarragon, pink berries and black mustard seeds that will bring that spice that makes all the difference.

Homemade mustard with black mustard seeds

Place your black mustard seeds in a bowl and cover with white wine, oil and vinegar. Add honey, tarragon or any other flavouring you like. When the seeds start to swell, blend the mixture in a blender to obtain a paste, you have made your homemade mustard.

Black mustard seeds in all your recipes

Your black mustard seeds can be added simply to all your dishes if you like spicy recipes. You can put them in your scrambled eggs, in a simmered dish or pan-fry them to accompany a red meat and bring out their nutty notes.

Health benefits of black mustard

Black mustard seed is not just a condiment that will revolutionize your dishes. It is also a real health asset. It stimulates the appetite and helps digestion.

Do you suffer from bronchitis or a cough? Black mustard seeds will relieve you. Black mustard is also recommended to improve blood circulation and soothe pain.

The conservation of black mustard

Black mustard is best stored in a dry place away from heat and light.