Mustard Oil FAQ

The word “OIL” is the name of a food group and it is used as a cooking medium with our food. Most edible oils are extracted either from seeds (safflower, sunflower, sesame, mustard, or flaxseed) or beans (peanuts, soy) or grains (corn, wheat germ) or fruits (avocado, olive) or nuts (almond, coconut, walnut, palm kernel). Generally, oil come from plant supplies and are usually liquid at room temperature.

Why do we need oil? Can we live without oil?

In lay man’s language, we know that we need oil to cook food as a medium and it enhances the taste & palatability of cooked food.

But this is not the only the reason we need oil. Oil is also an important ingredient of our diet because:

• Oil is good source of energy; 1 gm Oil = 9 Calorie of energy
• Oils are needed for absorption and mobilization of fat soluble vitamin such as vitamin A, D, E, K and fat soluble ingredients. In absence of oil these vitamins cannot be utilized by our body.
• Vegetable oils are the only source of Essential Fatty Acids for the body. Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) are the precursors of a group of chemically related compound called as prostaglandins that are synthesized in body from EFA.
• Prostaglandins play a key role in regulating many physiological processes in the body.
• Oil also play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin, insulating body organs against shock, maintaining body temperature & promoting healthy cell functions.
• So, after knowing all these important facts of oil in our body, it seems that living without oil is not possible.

WHICH AMONG THE THREE DOES MUSTARD OIL CONTAIN?

Mustard oil contains antioxidants, which prevent disorders like atherosclerosis, dementia, skin disorders, arthritis and neurological disorders

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING MEDICAL PROPERTIES DOES MUSTARD OIL NOT HAVE?

Although mustard oil has numerous health benefits, it does not contain anti-allergic properties. Its health benefits include its use as a stimulator (of blood circulation, digestion and excretion) and its anti-fungal and anti–bacterial properties; it also boosts appetite, aids in muscle growth and provides relief from artritis and rheumatism.

WHAT DOES STRONG PUNGENCY OF MUSTARD OIL'S SMELL INDICATE?

The charateristic pungent smell of mustard oil is due to the allyl isothiocyanate. Just the way professional perfumers use coffee beans to revive their sense of smell, a deep whiff of mustard oil does the same for home chefs and cooks.

WHICH VARIETY OF MUSTARD OIL IS ACTUALLY KACCHI GHANI?

Kacchi Ghani refers to the process of cold-pressed extraction of oil from mustard seeds. Traditionally, a wooden cold press is used with the help of cows to extract the oil. Seeds are crushed at a low temperature, so the oil's natural properties and antioxidants are retained in the process.

WHICH SENSE DOES MUSTARD OIL USUALLY REVIVE?

The charateristic pungent smell of mustard oil is due to the allyl isothiocyanate. Just the way professional perfumers use coffee beans to revive their sense of smell, a deep whiff of mustard oil does the same for home chefs and cooks.

WHICH OIL IS BEST SUITED FOR DEEP FRYING?

Mustard oil boasts of a high smoking point, which means it retains its nutritional values at high temperatures, making it the most ideal oil choice for deep frying, a common practice in every day Indian cooking.

WHICH ONE OF THESE DOES MUSTARD OIL HAVE THE MOST OF?

Polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) contain very little cholestrol and can decrease the risk of heart diseases. PUFAs also contain fatty acids that your body cannot produce; omega-6 and omega-3.

WHICH OIL IS IDEAL FOR MAKING PICKLES?

Mustard oil is ideal for preparing pickels due to its anti-bacterial properties which aids in its preservation. Its sharp and pungent taste and smell makes it the perfect choice for making pickles.

IN WHICH COUNTRY, APART FROM INDIA, IS MUSTARD OIL OFTEN USED FOR COOKING?

Even though the second half of the 20th century saw a recedence in the oil's usage, it is still deeply embedded in the cultures of North & East India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. Moreover, it isn't necessarily only used for cooking; it is used in wedding traditions, cosmetics, lighting earthen lamps and much more.