Lettuce, or leafy, mustard was first cultivated in the Mediterranean. It also grows wild in China, Transcaucasia and Central Asia. Mustard is a very healthy plant that is used in many recipes for people who are sick.
The benefits of mustard leaf
Young mustard mustard is a rich source of carotene, protein, vitamins C, B, PP, as well as salts of iron, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, glycosides and essential oils. It has anti-inflammatory properties, improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, and when used regularly, lowers cholesterol levels. Also in mustard leaf there is a large amount of folic acid.
The main difference between mustard leaf and its other analogues is that all useful substances act in a complex, and not separately.
In addition, mustard leaves protect against the development of cancer - the risk of their occurrence is reduced if this plant is regularly consumed. The composition contains antioxidants and vitamins, but besides them, mustard is known for such important phytonutrients as quercetin, kaempferol, hydroxycinnamic acids and isorhamnetin. The stems and leaves of this mustard improve appetite and gastrointestinal function.
Uses of mustard leaf
Mustard leaves are ideal for meat dishes, salads and sandwiches. Juicy young shoots of the plant are salted and preserved, and mustard powder, mustard plasters and mustard alcohol are prepared from its seeds, which is effective for sciatica and rheumatism. Culinary experts use the tender young leaves of mustard leaves, adding them to various salads and soups, or making them a stewed (fried, pickled, canned) side dish.
The leaves of this mustard have a bitter taste and a rather strong odor, which makes them highly prized in Chinese cuisine.
The most popular mustard snacks are sandwiches and cheese spread. To prepare the pasta, grate 100 grams of feta cheese or hard cheese, add 50 grams of chopped mustard and 1 tablespoon of butter to the cheese mass. The paste must be mixed thoroughly and can be spread on bread.
For mustard sandwiches you will need:
- 1 cup finely chopped mustard leaves;
- 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise;
- 4 slices of black bread;
- butter to taste.
The mustard leaves should be mixed with mayonnaise, put on two slices of bread, and the remaining two should be spread with butter and placed on top of the mustard slices. The remaining mustard-mayonnaise mixture is placed on top of the finished sandwiches and gently spread with a spoon.
