Also Known as
Sarson ka tel, Rai ka tel

Description
The term mustard oil is used for two different oils that are made from mustard seeds: a fatty vegetable oil resulting from pressing the seeds, an essential oil resulting from grinding the seeds, mixing them with water, and extracting the resulting volatile oil by distillation. Mustard oil has a strong smell and a hot nutty taste. Mustard oil is central to Indian culture. It is a symbol of spring and renewal. Because of its unique taste and aroma, it is used for frying, seasoning or just a simple Tadka.

How to Select
Intensely hot and spicy mustard oil is found easily in markets, in bottle or container.

Culinary Uses
· Mustard oil is widely known for its sharp, pungent flavor.
· This characteristic flavor is an essential component of many dressings and sauces world-wide.
· Unlike other "hot" flavors, the flavor profile of mustard does not linger. Rather it presents itself quickly, dissipates and leaves - little or no after-taste.
· Mustard oils are the characteristic flavor components of whole seed, ground mustard and mustard flour (powder).
· The essential oil in mustard inhibits the growth of certain yeasts, molds and bacteria, enabling mustard to function as a natural preservative
· This oil is traditionally used in West Bengal and is prized for its pungent and sharp flavour

How to Store
The oil is a nice golden color and quite aromatic. A small bottle will go a very long way. It should be stored in the refrigerator because it will easily go rancid

Health Benefits
· It is generally available as filtered oil; refined mustard oils are sold as vegetable oil. Mustard oil has a higher proportion of MUFA and is also a rich source of the PUFA.
· Mustard oil is suitable for all types of cooking including frying, but should be used along with other cooking oils to reduce the erucic acid content. As erucic acid, a fatty acid that has undesirable effects on health when consumed in large amounts
· Mustard oil is sometimes adulterated with argemone oil, which is toxic.
· The reason for the protective effect of mustard oil is that it is rich in alpha linolenic acid, which is a source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, known for giving protection to heart.