What makes mustard hot?
What makes mustard hot?What makes mustard hot?Answer: The mustard seeds are not hot nor pungent at all until they are cracked or ground and mixed with a cold liquid. It is the chemical reaction between two compounds, myrosin and sinigrin, that combines to turn up the heat when the cells of the seeds are broken and mixed with cold water. This combination results in mustard oil that can actually cause burning or blistering when it comes in contact with the skin, so be careful when making your own mustard. The combination reaches its peak in fire and flavor about fifteen minutes after mixing and will quickly decline from that point on. The addition of an acidic element is added to prepared mustard to delay or stop the decline. However, the acidic agent often masks the true flavor of the mustard. Heat inhibits mustard’s potency and flavor, so be sure the mixing liquid is unheated. The white mustard seed variety is merely hot and tangy to the tongue, while the black and brown varieties carr
