Small Package Offers Big Benefits

That mustard seed just keeps on proving that amazing things can come from very small beginnings. Mention mustard seed to anyone and nine times out of ten they’ll be reminded of the Bible parable in which the mustard seed represents an instrument by which enormous spiritual growth can be advanced. Now, the mustard seed is once again in the limelight as low value mustard seed waste offers the promise of bigger and better things when it comes to natural food preservatives. Canadian researchers have found another use for mustard seed meal, a waste product that has little value to the industry. A compound extracted from mustard seeds may actually be able to protect against food spoilage. This compound shows antibacterial effects against such strains as Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes, all of which can cause grave illness and death in humans. Currently, the left over product after the seed is pressed for its oil is basically useless, but this finding could definitely change that. The tiny mustard seed is once again proving itself to be a mighty symbol of hope and possibilities.