Basic Statistics Common Name - Black Mustard (We will deal specifically Black Mustard for this section, though other mustard species tend to have similar attributes) Scientific Name - Brassica negra Where Found - Asia, Europe and North America Physical Makeup - Mature plants are approximately one meter tall. - Flowers grow in small clusters at the tops of the plants. - Flowers have 4 yellow petals spread evenly around their center. - 4 sepae are interspersed among the petals. - Flowers produce small red seeds that turn black as they mature. Mustard's Uses According to a home cooking article by Peggy Trowbridge, mustard's name "is derived from a contraction of the Latin mustum ardens meaning burning wine. This is a reference to the spicy heat of the crushed mustard seeds and the French practice of mixing the ground seeds with must, the young, unfermented juice of wine grapes." Over the years, mustard has been used to serve numerous other, less fateful, purposes. For example: When mustard seeds are crushed and combined with water they create a spicy flavor. This flavor is utilized in seasoning and in the production of the condiment which bears its name. Many varieties of this popular sauce exist and are enjoyed in many different countries. Mustard also has a variety of medicinal uses such as: When made into a paste it can be used to soothe sore muscles, decongest the chest and lungs and help fight some skin diseases. When injested, it also can act as a diuretic and can aid digestion when used in small doses. Mustard has even been used to help cure toothaches since as early as 500 B.C.! (It is worth noting that exessive exposure to mustard seeds or pastes can cause a person harm, and further research should be undertaken before attempting to use it medicinally.) Finally, some mustard species, such as the Chinese Mustard or Bok-Choi (Brassica rapa cheninses) are eaten as salad or cooked vegtables.