The production of mustard oil from mustard seeds is a fascinating process
Mustard oil can be extracted from all three varieties of mustard, as they all have an oil content of 20 to 35%. The term “mustard oil” refers to both the fatty and the essential oil of the mustard seed. The essential oil is also used in the production of mustard and is responsible for its pungent taste.
The essential oil is produced from the black mustard, but only under the action of water. First, mustard oil is extracted from the seeds in a cold-pressing process using a mechanical press, such as a Florapower universal press. Then the remaining mustard press cake is ground into flour, mixed with water and left to stand in a distillation unit. After some time, distillation with steam can follow. The resulting essential oil is thin, toxic, has a colorless to yellowish tint and a very pungent odor that irritates the eyes to tears, and has a burning effect on the skin, producing redness and blisters. It contains a lot of ally-isothiocyanate. Mustard spirit, made from mustard essential oil combined with alcohol, is used only for medicinal purposes.
Valuable properties of mustard oil
White mustard oil is yellow in color while raw black mustard oil is light in color. The content of allyl mustard makes white mustard oil spicy, while black mustard oil has a rather spicy smell, but also has a pungent taste.
Refined oil is odorless and tasteless.
Mustard oil consists of about 60% monounsaturated fatty acids, which consist of 42% erucic acid and about 12-18% oleic acid. In addition, it contains 21% polyunsaturated fatty acids, in which omega-3-linolenic acid is about 6-10% and omega-6 linoleic acid is up to 15%. Also included are glycerides, behenic acid, antioxidants and vitamin E. Black mustard oil can also be found in the form of sulfur.
When exposed to light, atmospheric oxygen or moisture, the oil quickly becomes rancid and the smell and taste may change as a result. Therefore, if this oil is stored in an airtight, cool and dark place, its shelf life is about 12 months.
Discover the many possible uses of mustard oil!
Miracles In pharmacy and medicine
According to Markus Hartmannau’s “Oil – Naturally Cold Pressed”, mustard oil can have positive effects on the body. It can lower cholesterol, promote blood circulation or strengthen the immune system, and in addition, prevent tumors and heart attacks. Because mustard oils (such as allyl mustard oil) have strong antibacterial effects, they are often used therapeutically as topical skin irritants.
In the kitchen, it adds a special touch to dishes and provides a healthy seasoning
In its use as an edible oil, however, this oil is still relatively unexplored. However, it has been proven that mustard oil is one of the healthiest oils due to its favorable fatty acid ratio (including approx. 10% omega-3 fatty acids and only approx. 6% saturated fatty acids), the high content of secondary plant substances and the very high proportion of vitamins and minerals. It can be used not only for preparing raw vegetables and salads, but also as a healthy alternative for steaming and frying or for making potato chips and dips.
Further areas of application
Mustard oil is also used as a lubricant, fuel or in soap making.
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In addition to our own knowledge gained during press tests, the following sources were used to create the article:
- Öle, natürlich kaltgepresst, Basiswissen & Rezepte, Marcus Hartmann, Hädecke, 2008
- Heilende Öle, Pflanzenöle als Nahrungs- und Heilmittel, Neue Erkenntnisse, Günter Albert Ulmer Verlag Tuningen
- Lexikon der pflanzlichen Fette und Öle, Krist, Buchbauer, Klausberger, SpringerWienNewYork, 2008
- www.wikipedia.de
- en.wikipedia.org
