Mustard Oil

It is an oil with a strong pungent flavor, as are all species of the mustard (Brassicaceae) family of plants. In North India, Eastern India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan it is frequently cooked. The Mustard Oil in India is found in Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Nepal. It is the one that is historically used to cook. The mustard seeds comprise of approximately 30 percent oil. Allyl isothiocyanate is attributed to the typical spicy taste of mustard oil. The monounsaturated fats in mustard oil are approximately 60 per cent (42 per cent of the erucic acid and 12 percent of the oleic acid); polyunsaturated fats are approximately 21 percent (6 percent of the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and 15 per cent of the omega-6 linoleic) and the saturated fat is about 12 percent. The mustard oil exceeds in alpha-linolenic acid as well as erucic acid. In India, diyas are lighted during festivals with mustard oil. It is placed in the making of hair oil too & in massage.