How does mustard oil differ from sunflower or olive oil, and why try it?

The main difference is in taste and aroma. Sunflower and olive oils are neutral or mild in most cases, whereas unrefined mustard oil has a rich, slightly piquant character. That is why it is used not as a base but as an accent: a small amount noticeably changes the taste of a salad, porridge or fish.

Unrefined means that the oil has not undergone the refining process that removes aromatic substances. This is exactly what makes its flavour more distinctive than that of refined oils. On the other hand, such oil is sensitive to heat, and the label advises against heating it, so it shows its best in cold dishes — in a salad dressing or as a finishing touch to vegetables or grains that are already cooked and warm.

Mustard oil is traditionally used in home cooking in Eastern Europe and Asia precisely where a distinctive note is needed without complicated sauces. If you are used to neutral oils, start with small amounts: its flavour is noticeably bolder, and it takes some getting used to.