Mustard flowers do have a distinctive smell, but it may not be what you would expect. Rather than smelling like the pungent and spicy mustard condiment, mustard flowers actually have a scent that is reminiscent of vanilla. It’s quite surprising, as you wouldn’t necessarily associate vanilla with mustard. However, when you get up close to a mustard plant in bloom, you may detect a subtle hint of vanilla in the air.
The mustard plant, scientifically known as Brassica nigra, is a member of the Brassicaceae family. It is an annual plant that can reach a height of about three to six feet. The stem of the mustard plant is covered in fine hairs, giving it a slightly rough texture. The leaves are deeply lobed and can range in color from green to purplish-red, depending on the variety.
When mustard plants are in full bloom, they produce beautiful yellow flowers that are about one inch in diameter. These flowers have four petals arranged in a cross shape, which is a characteristic feature of plants in the Brassicaceae family. The flowers are quite fragrant, and the vanilla-like scent can be quite pleasant, especially on a warm sunny day.
After the flowers fade, they give way to long, slender pods known as siliques. These pods have a distinct beak-like shape and can measure around 4.5 centimeters in length. Each pod contains multiple seeds, usually ranging from four to eight. These seeds are the source of the popular condiment we know as mustard.
It’s important to note that there are different types of mustard plants, and not all of them have the same scent. Yellow mustard, also known as white mustard or Sinapis alba, is the most commonly used variety for making mustard condiments. It has a mild flavor and a fragrance that resembles vanilla. On the other hand, brown mustard (Brassica juncea) and black mustard (Brassica nigra) have a stronger, spicier aroma.
While mustard flowers do have a distinct smell, it is not the same as the spicy mustard condiment we are familiar with. Instead, mustard flowers emit a pleasant fragrance that is reminiscent of vanilla. This unique scent adds to the overall charm and beauty of the mustard plant when it is in full bloom.
