Mustard Seeds come from one of three different plants: white mustard (Brassica alba), brown mustard (Brassica juncea) or black mustard (Brassica nigra), White mustard seeds are typically a whitish, tan color and are often referred to yellow mustard seeds. Brown mustard seeds are also known as Indian mustard seeds.
Black or brown mustard seeds are widely used in Indian, especially Bengali and Southern Asian, cooking. When fried, the taste is nutty rather than fiery.Mustard seeds are usually used to temper/season food by adding them to hot oil. Generally perceived as a health benefiting spice, they are very rich in phyto-nutrients, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants.