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What is Mustard Oil?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Prepared from the mustard seed, mustard oil is a versatile oil that can be used for both therapeutic uses and culinary applications. As one of the more common types of seed found in the Mediterranean, mustard seeds produce an oil that is both aromatic and soothing to the skin. It also lends itself well to infusion with other herbs and spices, making it possible to produce a number of oils that are ideal for cold dressings as well as cooking.

When it comes to the use of oils as a soothing topical agent, mustard oil is considered to be helpful with the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. Along with leaving relatively little residue, the oil provides a pleasant aroma that may also appeal to the user. Its use as an ointment for stiff joints has a long history and is still recommended by persons who prefer to use natural agents to treat various health ailments.

Mustard oil is derived from mustard seed.
Mustard oil is derived from mustard seed.

In cooking, mustard oil works differently from most other oils. It is important to allow the oil to reach the smoking point before using it in stir-fry and other dishes that are prepared on a stovetop. Oil that is allowed to reach the temperature necessary for smoking will actually achieve a smoother mustard flavor that will be very appealing.

Storage of containers of mustard oil is not difficult. As long as the container remains unopened, the oil can be stored in a cabinet at room temperature. Once opened, the container should be kept in the refrigerator. Using this method, it is possible to keep it fresh and usable for several months.

Mustard oil can be used when making a stir-fry.
Mustard oil can be used when making a stir-fry.

Mustard oil is not commonly found in supermarkets, although it is beginning to be carried by chains that are adding lines of organic vegetables and a wider range of ethnic food choices. If local supermarkets do not have this oil, it is relatively easy to purchase the product at Indian or Mid-Eastern grocery stores.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments

anon141747

I accidentally may have rubbed my eye and woke up this morning and I have a rash around my eye and the top lid is swollen -- kind of like pink eye.

anon111042

Most mustard oil contains more Erucic Acid than is permitted and so is marked "For External Use". Just as happened with Rapeseed when clever Canadian plant breeding produced Canola Oil with reduced Erucic Acid and saturated fat so the same thing is happening with Mustard Oil; the resulting oil is the best tasting and healthiest of all the culinary oils with 95 percent mono and polyunsaturated fat content but is very hard to find. from Uncle Roy

anon73843

What can you use as a substitute for mustard oil in a recipe?

anon60976

anon60974 - Depending on the way the oil is extracted from mustard seeds, you'll get a different type of oil. I believe, however, mustard oil is typically a monounsaturated oil.

anon60974

Is mustard oil a mono unsaturated oil, poly unsaturated oil or trans fatty acid?

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    • Mustard oil is derived from mustard seed.
      By: spline_x
      Mustard oil is derived from mustard seed.
    • Mustard oil can be used when making a stir-fry.
      By: Periwinkle Studio
      Mustard oil can be used when making a stir-fry.
    • Many believe that mustard oil can reduce the appearance of spider veins.
      By: hriana
      Many believe that mustard oil can reduce the appearance of spider veins.