Mustard seeds are typically used as a spice. However, in many parts of India, the leaves are harvested and used as a vegetable. Apart from this, mustard oil is very popular in several areas in India. Plant leaves can also be picked. In India it is used by putting it in hot oil which makes them sputter. This releases their nutty flavour. This is used for tempering.
The leaves, buds and flowers are edible. It is also extensively in traditional medicine across the world.
Two varieties which are in vogue in India are yellow mustard and the black mustard. The other varieties include white mustard and brown mustard. The most common mustard preparation in United States was the yellow mustard though brown mustard is also common. Dijon mustard is the traditional mustard in France. It originated in Dion but now it is made in several other places. Similarly, English mustard is bright yellow and has a thick consistency. This is made with a combination of yellow and brown seeds.
The whole, ground, cracked or bruised mustard seeds are mixed in water or other liquids to make a paste. or sauce. The seed has a strong, pungent and slightly bitter taste. It is also used as a dressing or in a sauce/soup. It can be used to inhibit curdling.
It is an upright plant growing to almost 4 feet in height if the soil is moist and fertile. The large leaves are covered with bristles but the stem itself is smooth. They have beautiful, small yellow flowers with four petals and this blooms in summer. You will get around 4 flowers on each stem which then develops into long beaked seed pods. Each pod contains several seeds.
Since we use it daily in several dishes, I became curious to see how the plant actually looks. I just put a few store bought mustard seeds to soak. It took about 2-3 days for it to sprout. Then I placed them in the soil and put the pot in the most sunniest place in the house.
I was not sure of what to expect. It started sprouting and then small green leaves started appearing. It demands a lot of water and continuous high heat. But apart from this, there is nothing else required. The pot is full of mustard plants. I may have to repot some of them so that they can grow well. But it is such a joy to see.
Procedure:
- Soak the mustard seeds for at least 24 hours. It starts sprouting.
- Place it in a pot with red soil and sprinkle water mildly.
- Place the pot under the sun.
- Sprinkle water at least once or twice depending on the heat.
- The first two leaves are just the starters. The real leaves start after that.
- They grow at a tremendous pace and are lush and green.
- You could harvest some of the green leaves when they are still young and use it as a vegetable.
- It takes between 60 to 90 days from planting to seed production
- If the pot becomes overcrowded, replant a few so that all get adequate space.
It is a lovely plant to see, and easy to grow in a pot. Try it and try harvesting the leaves. It is always wonderful to eat fresh greens and harvest the seeds made by oneself. You can also try the yellow mustard variety.
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