White mustard

White Mustard (Sinapis alba) is an annual plant of the family Brassicaceae. It is sometimes also referred to as Brassica alba or B. hirta. Grown for its seeds, mustard, as fodder crop or as a green manure, it is now widespread worldwide, although it probably originated in the Mediterranean region.

Description

White mustard is an annual, growing to 70 cm high with pinnate leaves. Most are lobed and the plants have an erect stem with yellow flowers that appear from June to September.

Cultivation and uses

White mustard is commonly used as a cover and green manure crop in Europe (between UK and Ukraine). A large number of varieties exist, e.g. white and brown mustards (Sinapis alba and Brassica juncea respectively) will produce a very large number of seeds per plant and can provide up to 2 tonnes of seed per hectare.

The seeds are a source of mustard condiment. The edible leaves can be used for salad or cooked as a leaf vegetable.

Chemical constituents

White mustard seeds are a rich source of oil and protein. The seed contains 20 to 30% protein, 25 to 30% lipids, 12 to 16% carbohydrates and 4 to 7% ash. The seeds also contain the glucosinolate sinigrin.

Medicinal use

In herbal medicine, white mustard is used as a remedy for a number of health disorders. The seeds are recommended as a diuretic in cases of water retention and edema. The seeds are also used to treat bronchitis, rheumatism and neuralgia.

See also

• Mustard plant
• Mustard seed
• Sinapis

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