Leaf mustard was created in Asia by spontaneous crossing of Brassica campestris with Brassica nigra, and then spread to Egypt and Europe. The origins of black mustard are not as clear. There are two subspecies: Brassica nigra occidentalis presumably originates in North Africa and Southern Europe, Brassica nigra orientalis in the East.
What is a mustard plant?
The mustard plant is any one of several plant species in the genera Brassica, Rhamphospermum and Sinapis in the family Brassicaceae (the mustard family). Mustard seed is used as a spice. Grinding and mixing the seeds with water, vinegar, or other liquids creates the yellow condiment known as prepared mustard.
What is mustard oil (MO)?
Mustard oil (MO) is extracted from the seed of the mustard plant (Brassica campestris) and this oil has a typical pungency flavor and aroma. This oil has a unique FAs profile, high in oleic acid, and has a demand in the edible oil industry because of its long shelf-life and cholesterol-reducing property ( Khan et al., 2013 ).
Where did mustard oil come from?
Mustard oil was likely produced in the ancient Jewish town of Huqoq, in modern-day Israel. This is suggested by distinctive agricultural features found there, such as semi-circular wine vats with steep slopes and lower troughs. Scholars believe these structures, dating to Roman or Byzantine times, were used to crush mustard pods to make oil.