Mustard plants from the Brassica and Sinapis genera are used for food, with different types grown for different produce. Mustard seeds can be ground and used as seasoning, pickling mixes, or marinades. Mustard can be mixed with other ingredients for diverse flavors, and spicy yellow mustard used in Chinese and British cuisine is concentrated for extra heat.
The term “mustard” is used to describe several plants of the Brassica and Sinapis genera that are used as food sources. There are several types of mustard grown for different produce, including greens and leaves. The incredible diversity and flexibility of mustard plants can make them appear in a wide variety of locations, from traditional Southern American cuisine to fiery Indian curries.
Three different types of mustard are used as a source of seeds, which can be ground and used as a seasoning, added to pickling mixes, or included whole in an assortment of marinades, sauces, and curries. S. albis produces “white” mustard seeds, which are actually yellow; these seeds provide the mildest flavor and are used to make the classic mild and table mustard. The electric yellow seasoning used on hot dogs in the United States is derived from white mustard seeds.
B. juncea produces warmer brown seeds than white mustard seeds, while B. nigra produces black seeds with a very strong and distinctive flavor. Black mustard is often used in Indian and Southeast Asian cooking, where it is incredibly popular; you may have encountered whole mustard seeds in marinades and curries if you eat a lot of Southeast Asian food. Both types of black and brown mustard can also be ground into condiment form.
As a condiment, mustard is incredibly diverse. Mustard can be ground into a smooth puree or mixed with whole seeds for added texture. It can also be mixed with things like horseradish for spicy mustard, which can be quite fiery, or sugar, for sweet mustard. Some cultures have a tradition of preparing mustard with beer or wine, creating a very distinctive and complex flavor that complements a wide variety of foods. Mustard greens can also be mixed with oranges, cranberries, and other fruits or herbs; these types of mustards are often treated as gourmet items. You may have noticed a huge assortment of types of mustard for sale at your local market, illustrating the dizzying array of things that can be mixed with mustard.
Spicy yellow mustard used in Chinese food and some British cuisine is a form of mustard that has been ground and then dehydrated, concentrating the spicy flavor. You may have noticed that this mustard can be incredibly hot, especially if it has been allowed to sit for the flavor to develop. Mustard greens come from the brown mustard plant, typically, and have a spicy flavor that complements soups and stir-fries or is good on its own as a side dish.
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