MUSTARD
(Brassica hirta)
white mustard
Description:
Hairy annual with conspicuous terminal clusters of 4-petaled
yellow flowers. Lower leaves, broad, deeply lobed. Seedpods,
spreading, roundish, ribbed, swollen where seeds are situated
with a very large flattened, sword-shaped beak at the end. Throughout
the U.S.
EDIBLE,
MEDICINAL: Seeds, less flavorful than black, brown mustards,
contains vit.C, enzymes. A preservative used in pickles, to
emulsify mayonnaise. Greens, used for potherbs, green seed pods
pickled, added fresh to salads. Ripe seeds, finely ground, Flower
buds rich in protein. Mustard seeds stimulate circulation, to
treat bronchitis, a poultice to reduce inflammation, rheumatism,
a tea for sore throat.
