Mustard seeds have been highly prized culinary oil-seeds being in use since earlier times. The seeds are fruit pods obtained from the mustard plant, in the Brassica family. Mustard are native to Asia Minor, but these days cultivated as one of the main commercial crop in Canada, India, China, and temperate climates of the European region. Black mustard seeds are a common ingredient in Indian cooking. They are often kept whole and fried (or toasted) before adding to a dish or including in a stir-fry along with other aromatic ingredients. White mustard seeds can be toasted to add to dishes or used for pickling. Mustard seeds can be ground to make homemade mustard condiments.
