Mustard vs. Sesame — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 21, 2024
Mustard seeds are small, round seeds of the mustard plant, used as a spice, while sesame seeds come from the sesame plant and are used for their oil and as a flavor enhancer.
Difference Between Mustard and Sesame
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mustard seeds, derived from various mustard plants, are integral to many cuisines worldwide, known for their pungent flavor and ability to enhance meats, sauces, and dressings. Sesame seeds, on the other hand, are prized for their nutty taste and are often added to bread, sushi, and salads for texture and flavor.
While mustard seeds are typically used in their whole, ground, or as part of condiments like mustard sauce, sesame seeds are used both for their seeds and the oil extracted from them, highlighting their versatility in cooking and baking. Mustard seeds, when crushed or mixed with water, release enzymes that produce their characteristic spicy flavor, whereas sesame seeds are appreciated for their subtle, nut-like quality and are often toasted to enhance their flavor.
The cultivation of mustard seeds dates back thousands of years, with evidence suggesting their use in ancient civilizations for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Sesame seeds have a similarly ancient history, valued for their oil in the Middle East and Asia for centuries, underscoring their importance in traditional dishes and practices.
In terms of nutritional value, both seeds offer health benefits. Mustard seeds are a good source of minerals like selenium and omega-3 fatty acids, contributing to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, including calcium and zinc, supporting bone health and overall well-being.
Both mustard and sesame seeds have unique applications beyond cooking. Mustard seeds are used in traditional medicines and remedies, particularly in Ayurveda, for their warming and circulatory benefits. Sesame seeds play a critical role in various cultural ceremonies and traditions, symbolizing prosperity and purity in some cultures.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
From mustard plants.
From sesame plants.
Use in Cooking
Whole, ground, or in mustard sauce.
Seeds and oil, often toasted.
Flavor
Pungent, spicy.
Nutty, subtle.
Historical Use
Culinary and medicinal, dating back thousands of years.
Valued for oil and seeds, with ancient origins.
Nutritional Value
Rich in selenium, omega-3 fatty acids.
High in healthy fats, calcium, zinc.
Additional Uses
Traditional medicines and remedies.
Cultural ceremonies and as a symbol of prosperity.
Compare with Definitions
Mustard
Enhances meats, sauces, and dressings with its spicy flavor.
Mustard seeds were used to marinate the chicken overnight.
Sesame
Seeds from the sesame plant, used for their oil and flavor.
He sprinkled toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry.
Mustard
Small, round seeds of the mustard plant used as a spice or condiment.
She added ground mustard to the dressing for extra flavor.
Sesame
Rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Sesame seeds are a good source of calcium and zinc.
Mustard
A source of minerals and omega-3 fatty acids.
Consuming mustard seeds can contribute to a healthy diet.
Sesame
Adds a nutty flavor to bread, salads, and sushi.
Sesame oil is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes.
Mustard
Has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for millennia.
Mustard seeds have a long history of use in ancient civilizations.
Sesame
Symbolizes prosperity and purity in various cultures.
Sesame seeds are used in ceremonies to signify blessing and abundance.
Mustard
Used in traditional medicine for its warming properties.
Mustard poultices are applied to relieve muscle pain.
Sesame
Utilized in traditional practices for health benefits.
Sesame oil is often used in massages for its skin benefits.
Mustard
A hot-tasting yellow or brown paste made from the crushed seeds of certain plants, typically eaten with meat or used as a cooking ingredient
Dijon mustard
Mustard sauce
Sesame
Sesame ( or ; Sesamum indicum) is a flowering plant in the genus Sesamum, also called benne. Numerous wild relatives occur in Africa and a smaller number in India.
Mustard
The yellow-flowered Eurasian plant of the cabbage family whose seeds are used to make mustard.
Sesame
An erect annual plant (Sesamum indicum) native to tropical Asia, widely cultivated for its small flat seeds.
Mustard
A brownish yellow colour
A mustard sweater
Sesame
The seed of this plant, used as food and as a source of oil. In both senses also called benne, til1.
Mustard
Any of various Eurasian plants of the mustard family, especially white mustard, Indian mustard, and black mustard, which are cultivated for their pungent seeds and edible leaves.
Sesame
A tropical Asian plant (Sesamum indicum) bearing small flat seeds used as food and as a source of oil.
Mustard
A condiment made from the powdered seeds of certain of these plants.
Sesame
The seed of this plant.
Mustard
A member of the mustard family.
Sesame
Either of two annual herbaceous plants of the genus Sesamum (S. Indicum, and S. orientale), from the seeds of which an oil is expressed; also, the small obovate, flattish seeds of these plants, sometimes used as food. See Benne.
Mustard
A dark yellow to light olive brown.
Sesame
East Indian annual erect herb; source of sesame seed or benniseed and sesame oil
Mustard
Any of a group of toxic organic compounds that include mustard gas and the nitrogen mustards.
Mustard
A plant of certain species of the genus Brassica, or of related genera (especially Sinapis alba, in the family Brassicaceae, with yellow flowers, and linear seed pods).
Mustard
Powder or paste made from seeds of the mustard plant, and used as a condiment or a spice.
When the waitress brought the food, I asked whether she had any Dijon mustard.
Mustard
The leaves of the mustard plant, used as a salad.
Mustard and cress sandwiches.
Mustard
Dark yellow colour, the colour of mustard.
Mustard
One of a family of vesicants containing one or more 2-chloroethyl (C2H4Cl) groups, commonly used in chemical warfare and cancer chemotherapy.
Mustard
The tomalley of a crab, which resembles the condiment.
Mustard
Of a dark yellow colour.
Mustard
The name of several cruciferous plants of the genus Brassica (formerly Sinapis), as white mustard (Brassica alba), black mustard (Brassica Nigra), wild mustard or charlock (Brassica Sinapistrum).
Mustard
A powder or a paste made from the seeds of black or white mustard, used as a condiment and a rubefacient. Taken internally it is stimulant and diuretic, and in large doses is emetic.
Mustard
Any of several cruciferous plants of the genus Brassica
Mustard
Pungent powder or paste prepared from ground mustard seeds
Mustard
Leaves eaten as cooked greens
Common Curiosities
Are mustard seeds spicy on their own?
Mustard seeds develop their spicy flavor when crushed or soaked in liquid, activating their enzymes.
Can mustard and sesame seeds be used interchangeably in recipes?
Due to their distinct flavors, they are not typically interchangeable; each adds a unique taste to dishes.
What are the main differences in flavor between mustard and sesame seeds?
Mustard seeds have a spicy, pungent flavor, while sesame seeds are known for their nutty, subtle taste.
Do mustard seeds need to be cooked before eating?
While cooking enhances their flavor and digestibility, mustard seeds can be used raw, especially in condiments.
What health benefits do sesame seeds offer?
Sesame seeds are beneficial for bone health, rich in healthy fats, and contain vitamins and minerals like calcium and zinc.
How are mustard seeds used in traditional medicine?
In traditional medicine, mustard seeds are used for their warming and circulatory benefits, such as in poultices for muscle pain.
What is the significance of sesame oil in cooking?
Sesame oil is prized for its rich, nutty flavor, making it a favorite in Asian cuisine and salad dressings.
What are the environmental impacts of cultivating mustard and sesame seeds?
Both crops are generally sustainable, requiring minimal pesticides and water compared to other crops, but the specific impact can vary by region.
Which has a longer history of cultivation, mustard or sesame seeds?
Both have ancient histories of cultivation, with evidence suggesting thousands of years of use in various civilizations.
What makes sesame seeds a popular topping on bread and sushi?
Their nutty flavor and crunchy texture enhance the taste and appearance of bread, sushi, and other dishes.
What cultural traditions involve sesame seeds?
Sesame seeds are used in various cultural traditions, symbolizing prosperity, health, and purity, especially in Asian and Middle Eastern cultures.
How are mustard seeds processed into mustard sauce?
Mustard seeds are ground and mixed with liquid (water, vinegar, wine) and other flavorings to make mustard sauce.
Are there any dietary considerations for consuming mustard or sesame seeds?
Those with allergies should be cautious, as sesame, in particular, is a common allergen.
How do mustard and sesame seeds contribute to a balanced diet?
Both seeds offer nutritional benefits, including essential fats, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy, balanced diet.
Can sesame seeds be eaten raw?
Yes, sesame seeds can be eaten raw, but toasting them enhances their flavor.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
