9 Ways Mustard Oil is saving the planet

This Earth Day, let’s shine the spotlight on something humble, golden, and quietly revolutionary—mustard oil. Beyond adding zing to your food, it’s doing the heavy lifting for the planet too.

Here’s how this age-old staple is keeping it green (and spicy):

1. It Uses Way Less Water Than Rice or Wheat 💧

Mustard is a water-wise crop. While rice guzzles up to 2,500 litres of water per kilogram, mustard uses just about 800 litres. That’s a savings of nearly 1,700 litres per kg—or roughly 17 bathtubs!

2. It Grows in Tough Conditions 🌾

Mustard thrives in semi-arid, drought-prone regions. This means farmers don’t have to rely heavily on irrigation or pesticides, reducing both water usage and chemical runoff.

3. Cold-Pressed = Low Energy + Low Emissions ⚙️🌿

Mustard oil is traditionally extracted through the cold-press method, which uses minimal energy and skips heavy industrial processing. The result? Lower electricity use, reduced carbon emissions, and a cleaner oil—both for you and the planet.

4. It’s Grown Locally, Travels Less 🚛

Most mustard oil consumed in India is made from Indian-grown mustard seeds. That means lower food miles, less fuel, and fewer emissions. Local = lovable.

5. It’s a Bee Magnet 🐝

Mustard flowers attract bees and other pollinators, playing a big role in biodiversity. Supporting mustard cultivation means supporting pollinators, which in turn help entire ecosystems thrive.

6. Nothing Goes to Waste ♻️

After the oil is extracted, the leftover mustard cake is used as organic fertiliser or cattle feed. The result? Zero waste. Total utility.

7. It Helps Restore Soil Health 🌱

Mustard plants are often used in crop rotation systems. Why? Because they improve soil structure and suppress weeds, naturally reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and herbicides.

8. It’s Naturally Pest-Repelling 🐛

Mustard plants produce natural compounds like glucosinolates that repel pests, which means farmers can cut down on chemical pesticides. Cleaner fields, safer food.

9. It Keeps Traditional Farming Alive 👩‍🌾

Mustard cultivation is rooted in India’s agricultural heritage. Choosing mustard oil supports small and sustainable farms, not mega agro-industries.

Mustard Oil - A powerhouse

Mustard oil isn’t just about punchy flavour and nostalgic vibes—it’s a planet-positive powerhouse hiding in plain sight.

If you want to make a sustainable switch without overhauling your lifestyle this Earth Day, just look to your kitchen shelf. That bottle of mustard oil? It’s already doing the work.