Black mustard

Black mustard in Bangladesh

Black mustard is a plant in the cabbage family. it is usually grown for its seeds, which are used as a spice or to produce cooking oil.

Names

Scientific
   Brassica nigra
English
   Black mustard
Dutch
   Zwarte mosterd
Spanish
   Ajenabe
   Mostaza negra
French
   Moutarde noire
   Sénevé noir
German
   Schwarzer Senf
Italian
   Senape nera

Taxonomy

Genus
   Brassica
Family
   Brassicaceae
Order
   Brassicales

Basic information and facts

Origin:

Probably originates from the Mediterranean region of Europe.

Distribution:

Common in South Asia.

Annual, biennial, or perennial:

Black mustard is an annual plant.

Flowers:

Yellow flowers

Leaves:

Fruits:

The small seeds are hard and vary in color from dark brown to black. They have a diamter of about 1 mm.

Climate and weather:

Pollination:

Height:

From 60 to 240 cm tall.

Spacing:

Propagation:

Black mustard is grown from seed.

Insect pests:

Diseases:

Harvesting:

Uses:

The seeds are used as a spice or to produce oil which is used for cooking. Seeds can also be used to make mustard or piccalilli. Also the shoots and leaves of the plant are edible and can be eaten cooked as a vegetable.

Proverbs and Quotes

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth. (Bible, Mark 4:31)
As keen as mustard (= very enthusiastic)
Mustard after the meal. (Dutch proverb)

Pictures