Brassica juncea

Brassica juncea, commonly known as Indian mustard, brown mustard, or Chinese mustard, is a versatile plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is widely cultivated across Asia, Europe, and North America for its leaves, seeds, and oil. The plant is an annual herb with bright green, lobed leaves and small yellow flowers, producing round seeds that are used to make mustard condiments and cooking oils.

In South and East Asia, Brassica juncea is valued both as a leafy vegetable and as an oilseed crop. The young leaves, known as mustard greens, are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals like calcium and iron. The seeds yield mustard oil, which is widely used in Indian and Sri Lankan cooking and traditional medicine. The oil has a sharp, pungent flavor and is also used in massage and skincare due to its warming properties.

Beyond its culinary and medicinal uses, Brassica juncea is recognized for its environmental benefits. It is a fast-growing plant used in phytoremediation — a process that helps remove heavy metals from contaminated soils. Its adaptability to different climates and soils makes it a sustainable crop with economic and ecological importance.