Rai dal is mustard seeds with the skin removed. It is then roughly ground.It's is used mainly in pickles and is the life and soul of mango pickle that would otherwise be incomplete without the Rai Kuria. It is the Rai kuria that gives pickles a very special tangy taste that makes Indian pickles famous in the whole world.

What are Mustard seeds? Rai, Rai-Kuria

Mustard seeds are small seeds of the mustard plants used commonly in India to make curries and picklesThe variety of mustard seeds cultivated in India are called brown (B. Juncea)

Archeological evidence suggests that by 3000 BC, Turmeric Cardamom Black-Peppercorn and Mustard were harvested in India.

Whole Mustard seed is called Rai in India. Normally, the seeds are fried in hot oil, the seeds crack open (pop) releasing pungent aroma in to frying oil and dispersed in the curry

Cracked Mustard seeds are called Rai-Kuria. The skin of the mustard seed is removed and discarded. The skinless mustard seeds are then ground coarse. The coarse ground skin-less mustard seed is called Rai Kuria. Rai Kuria is a common ingredient used in making Indian pickles. When mixed with water and vinegar or other acids, it creates a highly pungent anti-microbial mixture.

Mustard powder has no aroma. Mustard powder. In some of the curries mustard powder is added in the beginning of making curry. The hot flavor of the mustard is released when mixed with water and heated to make the curry sauce.
 

Product Specification

Mustard Seed comes from two large shrubs, Brassica juncea (brown mustard) and Brassica hirta (white mustard), native to Asia. Both plants produce bright yellow flowers that contain small round seeds; brown mustard is more pungent than white. Mustard Seed's hot and spicy flavor enhances meats, fish, fowl, sauces, and salad dressings. Whole Mustard Seed may be used in pickling or in boiling vegetables such as cabbage or sauerkraut. Brown Mustard Seeds are an important flavoring in Indian
dishes. Powdered Mustard has no aroma when dry, but a hot flavor is released when it is mixed with water. Mustard was used in ancient Greece and Rome as a medicine and a flavoring. By 800 AD, the French were using Mustard as an enhancement for drab meals and salted meats. It was one of the spices taken on Spanish explorations during the 1400s. Mustard powder was invented by Mrs. Clements of Durham, England, who made a fortune selling the dry, pale yellow mustard flour. Before using, mix Mustard Powder with water to form a paste. It takes about 10 minutes for the mustard flavor to develop. Use in foods needing flavor highlights. Unlike other pungent spices, Mustard's flavor does not build or persist. Mustard helps emulsify liquids use in salad dressing recipes to help blend oil and vinegar and add a spicy zip.


Health Benefits of Eating Mustard Seeds

Mustard Seeds can be regarded as a wholesome package of health. Let us explore their benefits in detail.

Mustard seeds are a good source of selenium, which is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Selenium is a nutrient that helps in reducing the severity of asthma, certain symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and even cancer.

The oil extracted from mustard seeds has an incredible property of lowering high blood pressure

Mustard oil also helps prevent heart attacks and diabetic heart disease, thus making it the most preferred oil, recommended by doctors and dieticians alike.

Mustard seeds have proven to be helpful in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks.

Consuming these seeds is known to help women suffering from distorted sleep patterns, associated with symptoms of menopause

Mustard seeds contain a lot of phytonutrients called glucosinolates. They also boast of myrosinase enzymes, which can break glucosinolates into other phytonutrients called isothiocyanates, known to have anti-cancer properties.

The seeds prove to be a good source of omega--3 fatty acids, iron, manganese, zinc, protein, calcium, dietary fiber and niacin.

Mustard seeds are a good source of magnesium, which helps reduce the severity of asthma, lower high blood pressure, and prevent heart attack in patients suffering from atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease.

The magnesium in mustard seeds also helps in speeding up the metabolism of the body, hence improving digestion.

Mustard seeds are known to have antibacterial, antiseptic as well as antifungal properties.

Consuming black mustard seeds can help people with a lack of appetite, when taken with milk, 15 minutes before the meal.


Cooking Tips

Mustard seeds add an aromatic effect to the food, when fried in oil.

Dijon mustard sauce, which is prepared from brown mustard seeds, can be used for dressing. Combined with honey, it results in deliciously sweet dipping sauce.

The seeds of white, black and brown mustard can be sprinkled on rice, vegetables and salads, to add color and flavor.
 
Non-vegetarians can rub bottled mustard on their meat, to give it a distinctive flavor.

Mustard powder can be used in salad dressings, pickles, egg dishes and vinaigrettes.