Mustard Seed Powder in Cold Process Soap 4

While the word mustard probably brings the thought of a mustard condiment to mind, mustard seeds are used all around the world as a spice. Mustard has a hot tangy flavor Whole mustard seeds are used in pickling vegetables. Mustard seed powder is used in various dishes across the world like duck, eggs, chutneys, sauces, curries, chili, lamb, dressings, and more. Did you know that the leaves and seeds can be used in cooking? Mustard greens are very popular in various cuisines both cooked and raw.

Collect needed items:

We are going to use the higher end of the water recommendations in the Lye Calculator so we can mix the mustard seed powder in easily. We are also making this soap in dry weather so the soap will dry/cure quickly. If you are making this in a humid location, please use a dehumidifier to help dry out the soaps.

Measure fixed oils on your scale. Warm the fixed oils on the stove or in the microwave. I melted the oils in the microwave. Add sodium hydroxide to the water. Mix well.

Combine oils and lye solution. Stir until thin trace. Upon light trace, add the mustard seed powder. Stir well. Pour soap into molds. I used the Rubbermaid Drawer Organizers #2915 as the mold. Allow to sit until soap is firm.

The next morning cut into bars. Stack to allow good air circulation. Allow to cure for several days before using. Longer curing will result in a harder bar.

Notes:
I had thought the mustard seed powder would turn the soap a warm yellow color, but I had forgotten that my favorite yellow mustard also contains turmeric, paprika and other spices. After the mustard seed powder was added, the soap turned a pretty yellow color and I was excited that I was right about the color. When I cut the soap after 24 hours, I was disappointed to see that the soap was a pale butter yellow color with brown specks. I thought it looked like butter with toast crumbs in it! The soap does not have a scent now and it did not have a scent at any time after the addition of the mustard seed powder. I would recommend 2 teaspoons per pound of fat as the maximum usage rate.

After looking at the finished soap, I think the best scents for this soap would be clean or lemon scents like 21, Cotton, Spicy Lime, Sunflower, Lemon Sugar, Lemon Zinger, Sake (type) and Relaxation.

The mustard seed powder soap samples have been sent to the Shipping Department to send out in orders. I really want to hear your comments about this or any of the other soaps with kitchen spices. I hope that anyone wanting a sample soap will request one and if we have any samples we will send them to you.