Whole Mustrad is used as a flavoring agent in Indian cooking, whereas ground mustard provides flavor and consistency in Bengali fish curries. Mustard flour has preservative and antioxidant properties in addition to providing flavour and colour. Mustard seeds are the small round seeds of various mustard plants and may be colored from yellowish white to black. They are an important spice in many regional foods and may come from one of three different plants: black mustard (Brassica nigra), brown Indian mustard (B. juncea), or white/yellow mustard (B. hirta/Sinapis alba). Grinding and mixing the seeds with water, vinegar or other liquids creates the yellow condiment known as prepared mustard.