South Asia

White Mustard Seed

Sinapis alba.

Seed.

Part Used

Whole seed.

Form

Safed sarson (Hindi).

Northern India, Pakistan; also widely used in Western pickling (cross-region note).

Mildest of the three mustard seed colors, with a milder pungency and slight sweetness.

Pickling and some regional tempering uses where a milder mustard note is preferred.

Some North Indian pickles.

Vinegar, turmeric, chile.

Temper briefly in oil, or add whole to pickling brine.

Whole seed keeps 2+ years sealed and dark.

Brown or black mustard seed, adjusting for the more intense pungency of either.

The mildest of the mustard seed trio (white/yellow, brown, black), which rise in pungency in that order.

Some North Indian pickle spice mixes.