Spice Collection
A Mustard Seed of Faith
The black kind
Today we focus on black mustard, the spice of biblical parables. While we use the white mustard seed for the contemporary condiment, there are over forty kinds. The darker the seed, the hotter its flavor. Use caution as it vigorously self-seeds.
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed,” Matthew 17:20.
He goes on to say nothing is impossible to you. Mustard seeds are tiny. Yet grown and cultivated, black mustard grows as tall as trees — upwards of ten feet. It remains popular in Indian cuisines, like a rai curry.
Nomenclature: Brassica nigra
Tastes: Pungent, spicy, sweet, and nutty when cooked.
Uses: Baking, condiment, flour, greens, salad, spice, folk medicine
Origin: Mediterranean
Recipe: Spiced Spinach (GF/V)
Ingredients: Spinach, sesame/vegetable oil, red chili, black mustard seed, garlic, and salt. See link.
