Then there is that characteristic sizzling sound made when mustard seeds are placed into the oil; the pungent smell that follows indicates mealtime is imminent. This oil is none other than mustard oil – and if you have ever stood in front of shelves containing bottles of mustard oils, chances are you would want to know the difference between authentic yellow mustard oil and its diluted cousins.
The difference between the two kinds is that pure yellow mustard oil is cold pressed (kachi ghani) oil that is extracted from yellow mustard seeds and maintains all of its natural characteristics – pungent smell, yellow color, and nutrients – as opposed to refined mustard oil which has been chemically treated and diluted. The oil is a good source of monounsaturated fat and has a high smoke point of 250°C.
This guide deals with the origin of this oil, its unique characteristics compared to other cooking oils, its true nutritional and culinary benefits, who should use it, and the questions that are most commonly asked before purchasing the bottle.
Origin of Pure Yellow Mustard Oil
Mustard has been an integral part of the Indian cuisine and medicine since several thousand years ago, with its cultivation dated back to around 3000 BC. The usage of mustard seed was appreciated long before it became popular in Indian kitchens as a cooking ingredient, for its warming medicinal purposes in traditional medicines in India, Greece, and Rome. Yellow mustard oil is derived from yellow mustard seed (Brassica varieties), and in North India and Bengal, it occupies the same crucial position in the kitchen like ghee and coconut oil elsewhere in the country.
True purity originates right at the beginning. Yellow mustard oil is produced by means of cold pressing the seeds after cleaning and selection through the conventional technique known as the kachi ghani (wooden churn). This means the oil temperature remains low, thus preserving the original taste and beneficial properties of the product. This process excludes any use of chemicals, solvents, bleaching agents and mixing with other refined vegetable oils.
The Nutrition Behind the Oil
It is the fat content that makes the reputation of the yellow mustard oil. The oil is comprised of about 60% of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), 21% of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and 12% of saturated fat, which is a good ratio in comparison with many other cooking oils and considered to be a more preferable one due to MUFA and PUFA being the good fats.
In addition, it provides the right ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as vitamin E that is responsible for skin care. This list of nutritional value is the reason why pure yellow mustard oil has been used in cooking and ayurvedic treatment for so many years before "healthy fats" became a popular slogan.
Main advantages of Pure Yellow Mustard Oil
Supports heart and lowers cholesterol. The natural composition of fats in the mustard oil has a positive effect on cholesterol regulation when used in daily cooking.
Great smoke point for authentic Indian cooking. Having a smoke point of around 250°C, pure yellow mustard oil allows for the tempering, sautéing, and deep frying without changing its composition.
Supports digestive system. Mustard oil has the ability to activate secretion of digestive juices and bile.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. These qualities contribute to the reason why mustard oil has been used for years for both culinary purposes and, independently, for its Ayurvedic uses.
Skin and hair care. It is due to the presence of vitamin E in mustard oil that makes it a natural ingredient in skin and hair treatments.
Unique flavor not found in refined oils. It is the pungency and earthiness of mustard oil that provide unique flavor to pickles, dals, curries, and stir-fries from Northern India and Bengal – a flavor that is lost after oil has been over-refined.
Yellow Mustard Oil versus Refined and Black Mustard Oils
The refined form of mustard oil is heavily processed using chemicals, resulting in the loss of much of the natural pungent, colour and nutrient content, which results in longevity and a milder taste. On the other hand, cold pressed pure yellow mustard oil retains all of the above qualities.
As compared to the black mustard oil, the yellow mustard oil has a milder and less pungent taste, making it a good everyday alternative for households looking for the goodness of mustard oil but not an overwhelming taste.
Who Should Use Pure Yellow Mustard Oil?
Those looking for a traditionally authentic cooking oil for tempering, making curries and stir-frying on a daily basis at home in North India and Bengal
Individuals who indulge in deep frying and sautéing regularly due to its high smoke point
People switching from highly processed cooking oils to traditional cooking oils
Picklers because the natural qualities of mustard oil aid in the preservation of the pickles
Those trying out traditional recipes for skin and hair care; mustard oil is a traditional oil which is applied topically but a patch test should be done before application and it should never be used on injured skin
Identifying Authentic Mustard Oil
Smell: Genuine mustard oil has an intense smell. In case you do not feel a strong smell, then the oil has either been diluted or refined too much.
Colour: Pure mustard oil is a deep golden yellow color, and its intensity will vary depending on the filtration level. It should not be water-like or pale.
Consistency: Pure mustard oil is quite viscous compared to refined oils.
Packaging: Ensure that the packaging indicates that it has been cold-pressed or "kachi ghani," without any additives of other oils.
Storage: Store it in a cool, dark environment, preferably in a colored bottle, within one year after bottling.
Frequently Asked Questions on Pure Yellow Mustard Oil
Is pure yellow mustard oil good for everyday cooking purposes? Yes, because of its high smoke point and stable fat composition, pure yellow mustard oil is perfect for everyday cooking like tempering and frying.
Is there any difference between cold-pressed and refined mustard oil?
There is a lot of difference between these two types of mustard oils. Cold-pressed (kachi ghani) oil is made by mechanical extraction and does not involve any chemical processes. On the other hand, refined oil is made with the help of chemical methods and it results in lower pungency, reduced color, and fewer nutrients as compared to the cold-pressed one.
Can pure yellow mustard oil be used on skin and hair?
Yes, it can be used for massaging scalp and skin due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects. It is always better to perform patch testing before using it on your body.
Where must mustard oil be kept?
It is better to keep it in a dark and cool place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. It is best to store it in tinted glass bottles.
Are yellow mustard oil and black mustard oil the same?
No, although both oils come from mustard seeds, yellow mustard oil is milder in taste and has lower pungency when compared to black mustard oil, which is stronger and more robust.
