What is the difference between black and yellow mustard seeds?

Mustard seeds are the seeds of a variety of mustard plants. They are very small and round and come in several different colours. For culinary uses, black, brown, and yellow are most commonly used.

Mustard seeds can be used to make mustard, along with being added into dishes to add aroma and spice. They are usually kept whole and are toasted in recipes.

What is the difference between black and yellow mustard seeds? 

Yellow and black mustard seeds differ in a few ways. Firstly, and most obviously, the two seeds differ in colour. While yellow mustard seeds range from very pale and white in colour to a darker yellow colour, black mustard seeds are usually a dark brown, almost black colour.

Yellow mustard seeds come from the Brassica alba plant, whereas black mustard seeds come from the Brassica nigra plant. Black mustard seeds may be slightly smaller than yellow mustard seeds.

The flavour of the two seeds sets them apart with yellow mustard seeds being considered the mildest of all mustard seeds and black mustard seeds being the hottest. Black mustard seeds are much more pungent in flavour.

Yellow mustard seeds originate in the East Mediterranean whereas black mustard seeds are mostly found in the middle east. Black mustard seeds are used in Asia, predominantly in Indian cooking, whereas yellow mustard seeds are used mostly in mustard and other condiments, like vinegar.

Health benefits of mustard seeds

Mustard seeds can be added to your diet very easily. They can be added to a number of recipes as well as being consumed within condiments. Mustard seeds are a nutritious and delicious addition to your life and come with a number of health benefits. We’ve gathered a few of the benefits below, check them out:

Packed full of vitamins and minerals

Mustard seeds come with a range of vitamins and minerals. Both yellow and black mustard seeds contain good amounts of a range of nutrients. These include:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin C
• Calcium
• Iron
• Selenium
• Phosphorous
• Manganese
• Magnesium
• Copper

Some amounts of these nutrients are relatively low, but the addition of any mineral into your diet is always beneficial.

Could prevent cancer

Mustard seeds contain compounds such as glucosinolates and myrosinase, both of which can prevent the growth of cancer-causing cells, according to research.

Mustard seeds are also a rich source of antioxidants which can help to protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress. This oxidative stress has been linked to chronic illnesses, including cancer. 

Help to soothe headaches

The high levels of magnesium in mustard seeds make them an effective tool for soothing the symptoms of headaches. Magnesium eases pains in our body by soothing the nervous system.

Aids digestive health

Mustard seeds contain lots of fibre which can help to support good digestive function and ease any digestive issues. 

Could prevent asthma attacks

Mustard seeds have been used to help to prevent asthma attacks in asthmatic patients. The presence of nutrients like magnesium, iron, copper, and selenium help to prevent the attacks. 

Contributes to good heart health

The oil from mustard seeds can help to reduce cholesterol levels, improving heart health and contributing to good overall health. 

Contribute to healthy teeth and bones

The presence of selenium can support healthy teeth and bones. 

Supports healthy skin

The seeds can work to hydrate the skin and reduce impurities within it. 

Anti-inflammatory properties

Mustard seeds contain anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce inflammation throughout the body and help to treat illness. 

Where can I buy black mustard seeds?

Yellow mustard seeds are readily available in supermarkets around the country, but black mustard seeds are a little harder to come by. You can usually find them in health food stores, or you can buy black mustard seeds online.

Conclusion

Yellow and black mustard seeds differ in colour, size, and flavour. Yellow mustard seeds are milder and lighter in colour whereas black mustard seeds are darker, more pungent and spicier in flavour.

Yellow mustard seeds come from the East Mediterranean and black mustard seeds come from the Middle East. Yellow mustard seeds are generally used in condiments and sauces where black mustard seeds are used to add aroma and heat to dishes.

Mustard seeds come with a range of health benefits. They are nutrient-rich, contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and contribute to good cardiovascular health.

Yellow mustard seeds can usually be found in most supermarkets, but black mustard seeds may be a little harder to find. Black mustard seeds can be found in health food shops or you can buy them online. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute yellow mustard seeds for black?

Yellow mustard seeds are much milder than black mustard seeds and so for substitution, you would need to add considerably more yellow mustard seeds to replicate the intended flavour. Though from the same family of plants, yellow and black mustard seeds come from different plants which is why they differ in flavour. Yellow mustard seeds are by far the mildest mustard seed, and black mustard seeds are considered the most pungent. 

Which is better, yellow or black mustard seeds?

Mustard seeds in general are good additions to your diet due to the health benefits they bring. Yellow mustard seeds are milder and more suited to condiments, whereas black mustard seeds are much hotter and can be added into dishes for heat and aroma. Yellow and black mustard seeds both have different qualities and have quite different uses. 

Can you substitute yellow mustard seed for black mustard seed?

You can substitute yellow mustard seeds for black mustard seeds, but you will need to use considerably more. This is because yellow mustard seeds are much milder in flavour than black mustard seeds and so more will be needed to replicate the flavour.

Which mustard seed is better?

Mustard seeds vary in flavour and colour and are all used for different purposes. Where yellow mustard seeds are milder and generally used in condiments, like mustard, black mustard seeds are used to add aroma and spice to dishes. All mustard seeds come with a range of health benefits and are rich in nutrients.