Mustard seed oil is an edible oil extracted from mustard seeds, which are the small round seeds of the mustard plant. The oil is usually obtained through pressing or solvent extraction methods. Mustard seed oil is known for its strong, pungent flavor and is used as a cooking oil, especially in Indian cuisine. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking methods. Additionally, it is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, making it a healthier alternative to other oils high in saturated fats. However, mustard seed oil also contains erucic acid, which in high amounts can be harmful to health. To mitigate this, some varieties of mustard seeds are bred to have low levels of erucic acid.
