Mustard Seed: How to check the quality of mustard seeds? Easy ways to test seeds at home

Quality of mustard seeds: Mustard seeds are not only an important part of our kitchen but its proper use is also beneficial for health. Whether you want to make mustard oil or use it as a spice, it is important that the mustard seeds are pure and of high quality. The mustard available in the market is often adulterated, which not only spoils the taste but also affects health. Therefore, it is important that you can check the quality of the seed at home.

In this blog, we will tell you how to check the quality of mustard seeds, and that too with easy methods, which you can try at home.

Why are mustard seeds special? (Why are mustard seeds special?)

Mustard seeds are obtained from a plant of the Brassicaceae family and are rich in nutrients such as selenium, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fiber. This is the reason why mustard is not just a spice, but a treasure of health. The amount of oil present in it is also quite high, which is about 46-48%.

Mustard seeds are found in three main colors – white, brown and black. The taste and quality of seeds of each color is different:

Black seeds are pungent and sharp in taste.

Brown seeds have a little sweetness in them.

White seeds are most commonly found in the market with a mild taste.

Easy ways of seed testing at home

If you want to know whether the mustard seeds you are using are pure or not, then you should resort to some easy and FSSAI approved methods. Let us know these methods:

1. Check with a magnifying glass

This is the simplest and most reliable method.

How to do it:

Spread mustard seeds in a glass tray.

Now look carefully at each seed with a magnifying glass.

The outer part of pure mustard seed is smooth and when you press it lightly, its inner part is yellow.

If any seeds are rough, grainy and black in colour, then they may be Argemone seeds, which are used as adulterants and are harmful for health.

2. Check by crushing with fingers

How to do it:

Take some seeds and crush them lightly between the fingers.

A yellow part will be visible inside the pure mustard seed and its texture will be smooth.

If the seeds feel rough or hard while crushing, then it may be adulterated.

Other signs to identify adulteration

Adulterated mustard seed is usually adulterated with argemone seed, which looks very similar to mustard but has some significant differences: 

So keep these things in mind while buying seeds. It can be difficult to identify by color and shape only, so do check at home with the methods mentioned above.

How to store mustard seeds?

If pure mustard seeds are stored properly, they do not spoil for 2-3 years. Keep in mind:

Always keep the seeds in a dry place.

Keep them away from moisture, especially if you want to store the seeds for a long time.

If the moisture is more than 9%, the seeds can spoil quickly.

Why is it important to identify pure mustard seeds?

From the health point of view, the use of pure mustard seeds is very important. If these are adulterated, it can cause stomach problems, vomiting, headaches, etc. Argemone seeds in particular are a type of toxin and excessive consumption of it can lead to food poisoning.

So while buying seeds from the market, do not just look at the brand or price, but check its quality and purity.

Conclusion

Checking the quality of mustard seeds is an important step, especially when you use it for eating. With the easy methods mentioned above, you can ensure at home whether the seeds you are using are pure or not. Remember, good health starts with good quality foods.

Now that you know how to check the quality of mustard seeds, the next time you buy seeds, take some time and check it with these simple methods.