Mustard Oil: Types, Uses, and Benefits

Introduction

Mustard oil, renowned as Sarson ka Tel in India, is a highly versatile ingredient utilized in various regions across the globe. It holds a significant position in every kitchen due to its strong flavor, which enriches the taste of numerous dishes. Mustard oil is made from mustard seeds. Mustard seeds encompass the petite spherical seeds of diverse mustard plants. Typically, these seeds measure approximately 1 to 2 millimetres (0.039 to 0.079 inches) in diameter. Mustard seeds consist of approximately 30% oil. The oil can be derived from three different types of mustard plants: black mustard, brown mustard, and white mustard.

Types of Mustard Seeds

1. Yellow Mustard Seed

Yellow Mustard Seed is most extensively cultivated variety of mustard and possesses a mild flavor. 

1. Brown Mustard Seed

Brown Mustard Seed, on the other hand, showcases a dark brown seed coat. With a spicier flavor profile, it is often combined with yellow seeds to create English-style mustards.

1. Black Mustard Seed

Black Mustard Seeds are the most challenging to procure as they cannot be harvested using the same machinery employed for other mustard seed varieties.

Nutritional Information

100 grams of mustard oil provides 884 calories of food energy and consists entirely of fat. The fat content is composed of 11% saturated fat, 59-60% monounsaturated fat, and 21% polyunsaturated fat. Mustard oil contains approximately 60% of monounsaturated fatty acids, with 42% being erucic acid and 12% being oleic acid. It also consists of around 21% polyunsaturated fats, with 6% being the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and 15% being the omega-6 linoleic acid. Additionally, it contains about 12% saturated fats. The unique taste of this substance can be attributed to the presence of allyl isothiocyanate, a phytochemical present in plants belonging to the mustard family.

Health Benefits of Mustard Oil

Apart from its culinary advantages, mustard oil also offers a plethora of health benefits.

1. Benefits in Cardiovascular Diseases

Mustard oil is a nutritious cooking oil that boasts several health benefits. With its low content of Saturated fatty acid (SFA) and high levels of MUFA and PUFA, it proves to be a healthy choice. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with cardiovascular conditions.

1. Provide Relief in Colds and Coughs

Mustard oil is utilized to alleviate symptoms of colds, coughs, and various respiratory ailments and allergies. The inhalation of steam infused with mustard oil has proven effective in relieving respiratory congestion.

1. Antibiotic Properties 

Mustard oil contains glucosinolate, a compound that possesses antibiotic, fungicidal, and cancer prevention properties. This therapeutic substance plays a crucial role in safeguarding human health by providing protection against colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers. 

1. Helps in Diabetes

The presence of alpha-tocopherol in mustard oil, which is rich in vitamin E, has advantageous effects in managing the risks associated with diabetes.

1. Improves Blood Circulation 

Mustard oil possesses natural properties that act as a stimulant, effectively activating our sweat glands and enhancing blood circulation throughout the entire body. Additionally, it aids in reducing body temperature and eliminating toxins from the system. This versatile oil can be utilized for body massages as well. Regular application of mustard oil through massage can effectively alleviate discomfort in both joints and muscles.

Mustard Oil for Skincare

Mustard oil contains a lot of nutrients including vitamin B complex, vitamin E, calcium, protein, and omega 3 fatty acids. These components effectively diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also aiding in the removal of tan from the skin. Additionally, its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties help prevent acne development, ensuring a clean and radiant complexion. Mustard oil is beneficial for hair due to its high content of alpha fatty acids, which effectively moisturize the hair strands.

Industrial Production of Mustard Oil 

The mustard seeds are subjected to a drying process in order to eliminate any moisture content. Sun-drying is the preferred method as it ensures complete removal of water. After drying, dirt and other foreign particles are carefully removed to ensure the purity of the seeds. The removal procedure is carried out via the Cleaning Sieve part of the machine. 

The seeds are then heated to enhance the oil yield. Following the heating process, the seeds are crushed using machines, which takes approximately an hour. This crushing is then followed by pressing, which effectively separates the oil from the crushed seeds. This process is completed in the Oil Expeller Machine. The collected oil undergoes filtration to eliminate any impurities. This filtration process is carried out with great care to ensure the oil remains pure. Finally, the oil can be packaged in bottles and stored for future use.

How to Make Mustard Oil at Home?

Making mustard oil at home can be a challenging task, but by diligently following these instructions, you can relish the satisfaction of enjoying your very own homemade mustard oil.

1. First, crush the mustard seeds using a mortar and set them aside. 
2. In this procedure, a carrier oil is required. Therefore, select a carrier oil such as olive oil and warm it in a spacious pan. 
3. Once the oil is hot, incorporate the mustard seeds and let it boil until the mixture becomes brown. 
4. Take it off the heat and let it cool down.
5. After it has cooled, filter it through a cheesecloth. 
6. Preserve it in an airtight jar similar to the one shown. 
7. Remember to store it in the refrigerator when not in use.

What is Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil? 

Kachi Ghani, in literal terms, refers to ‘Raw Crusher’. This implies that the oil is obtained through the process of cold pressing. During cold pressing, the oil is extracted at a temperature of approximately 27 degrees centigrade, which is equivalent to room temperature. By crushing the seeds at a low temperature, the oil retains its natural ingredients.

Cold Pressed Mustard Oil vs. Hot Pressed Mustard Oil 

In the process of cold pressing, oil products are acquired through precipitation and filtration. Cold pressed oil has a comparatively low acid value, eliminating the necessity for any further refinement. On the other hand, hot pressing involves extracting oil at elevated temperatures, resulting in a significant increase in acid value and a loss of its natural quality. Consequently, hot pressed oils undergo a refining process to ensure their suitability for consumption.

Cold pressed oil (Kachi Ghani oil) preserves the majority of its inherent physiological and chemical characteristics, as well as its authentic flavor. Conversely, hot pressed oil retains only a small portion of its natural composition due to the elevated temperatures involved. This heat-induced process not only alters the chemical makeup of the oil but also leads to the loss of significant substances such as vitamin E, sterols, and carotenoids. However, it is worth noting that hot pressed oil emits a pleasant aroma, particularly when derived from oily plant seeds like sesame.

Hot pressed oil has the sole benefit of providing a higher yield in comparison to cold pressed oil. From a health standpoint, cold pressed oil emerges as the unequivocal victor. The process of hot-pressing oils leads to oxidation, which can result in various health complications.