I've purchased a number of spices from Jiva in the past few years and have been really pleased with the quality every time. So, when I ran out of black mustard seeds, I didn't hesitate to try Jiva's, even though I'd been using a different brand previously in my Indian cooking (probably the Swad brand). Jiva's claims of no-irradiation, no GMO, and no Ethylene Oxide (ETO) treatment were a big selling point for me, plus the price was fair. I adore mustard seeds and think they add so much nuance, texture and enhancement to various dishes, so I was looking forward to trying these.
When I received them, my first reaction was, "Woah, these are HALF the size of the last mustard seeds I was using!" and I admit I was a little disappointed. When I tried to think of what to compare them to for reference, the only thing that came to mind were the small heads of dressmaker pins. Not a huge deal, just not what I was expecting. On the positive side, the seeds are very fresh and clean, no dust or debris (little pebbles etc.) in the bag.
But the most important feature to consider is taste. I've been cooking with them for months now and they're flavorful. I don't think they're quite as flavorful as other brands I've tried and I do miss the subtle crunch of the bigger seeds. Jiva's disappear into the dish a little more, which could be a good thing for some people who just want a hint of mustard seed rather than a strong accent.
I will certainly use these up but will probably try another brand next time. I do think these smaller mustard seeds would be especially good for salad dressings, oil infusions and beauty or medicinal treatments. So, not quite the right seed for my taste, but an excellent choice depending on your purpose and preferences.
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