Herb of the Month: Mustard (Brassica sinapis)
Other Names: There are several useful varieties of Mustard: black, white and brown. Each name refers to the color of the seeds, and all are used the same way.
Description: Mustard is a member of the cabbage family, growing 2-6 feet tall with bright green leaves and yellow flowers. Seeds form on pods from bottom to top blooms, and the pods turn from green to brown when ripe.
Cultivation: Mustard grows easily from seed, even taking to wild growth in areas. Greens can be cut at any time. Seeds need to be harvested as the pods turn brown, but before they burst open.
Culinary: Young greens can be eaten raw in salads. Older greens can be cooked and eaten. Seeds are used whole, pounded or ground, in soups, pickles, and roasts. The condiment known as mustard is generally a mix of water, wine or vinegar and mustard seeds, with or without the addition of
other spices or herbs. Oil pressed from the seeds is used in cooking.
Medicinal: Mustard plasters have been used for ages for rheumatism, chest complaints, and general stiffness.
Sources: Herbs and Spices for Florida Gardens by Monica Moran Brandies. A Dash of Mustard by Katy Holder & Jane Newdick.
More About Mustard:
• Mustard is one of the oldest spices in use today, with evidence of use from 2,300 BC.
• Mustard is one of the most widely used spices, giving its flavor to cuisines from Asia to Europe and America.
• The Romans brought mustard into France, where it became widely used.
Description: Mustard is a member of the cabbage family, growing 2-6 feet tall with bright green leaves and yellow flowers. Seeds form on pods from bottom to top blooms, and the pods turn from green to brown when ripe.
Cultivation: Mustard grows easily from seed, even taking to wild growth in areas. Greens can be cut at any time. Seeds need to be harvested as the pods turn brown, but before they burst open.
Culinary: Young greens can be eaten raw in salads. Older greens can be cooked and eaten. Seeds are used whole, pounded or ground, in soups, pickles, and roasts. The condiment known as mustard is generally a mix of water, wine or vinegar and mustard seeds, with or without the addition of
other spices or herbs. Oil pressed from the seeds is used in cooking.
Medicinal: Mustard plasters have been used for ages for rheumatism, chest complaints, and general stiffness.
Sources: Herbs and Spices for Florida Gardens by Monica Moran Brandies. A Dash of Mustard by Katy Holder & Jane Newdick.
More About Mustard:
• Mustard is one of the oldest spices in use today, with evidence of use from 2,300 BC.
• Mustard is one of the most widely used spices, giving its flavor to cuisines from Asia to Europe and America.
• The Romans brought mustard into France, where it became widely used.