Sinapis Albæ Semina, White Mustard Seed is the dried ripe seed of the plant Brassica alba, a member of the Cruciferæ family.
Synonyms - Sinapis alba
Habitat - Europe, Britain
Uses - Most commonly combined with black mustard seeds to create mustard. Medicinally used to treat disorders of the digestive organs and as a laxative. Mustard seed tea can be gargled to relieve a sore throat.
Characteristics - White mustard seeds have a less pungent taste than black mustard seeds and are odourless. The seeds are hard externally, but internally are yellow and oily. The seeds are about 2mm in diameter and 6.5mg in weight. They are spherical, a pale yellow with a finely pitted outer coating.