Brassica juncea
Brassica juncea, commonly known as brown mustard, Indian mustard, or Chinese mustard, is a species of plant in the Brassicaceae family. It is widely cultivated for its edible leaves, seeds, and stems.
Description[edit | edit source]
Brassica juncea is an annual plant that grows to a height of 30-120 cm. The leaves are alternate, simple, and lobed, with a rough texture. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in racemes. The fruit is a silique containing small, round seeds.
Cultivation and Uses[edit | edit source]
Brassica juncea is cultivated in many parts of the world, particularly in India, China, and Nepal. The plant is grown for its mustard seeds, which are used to produce mustard oil and condiments. The young leaves and stems are consumed as leafy vegetables in various cuisines.
Mustard Oil[edit | edit source]
The seeds of Brassica juncea are pressed to extract mustard oil, which is used in cooking, massage, and traditional medicine. Mustard oil is known for its pungent flavor and is a staple in many South Asian dishes.
Culinary Uses[edit | edit source]
The leaves of Brassica juncea are used in salads, stir-fries, and soups. In Chinese cuisine, the pickled leaves are known as zha cai. In Indian cuisine, the leaves are used to make sarson ka saag, a popular dish in Punjab.
Health Benefits[edit | edit source]
Brassica juncea is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and dietary fiber. It is believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Related Species[edit | edit source]
Brassica juncea is closely related to other species in the Brassica genus, including:
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD