This oil has a distinctive pungent taste, characteristic of all plants in the mustard (Brassicaceae) family. Mustard Oil is the traditionally preferred oil for cooking. The oil makes up about 30% of the mustard seeds. The characteristic pungent flavor of mustard oil is due to allyl isothiocyanate. has about 60% monounsaturated fatty acids (42% erucic acid and 12% oleic acid); it has about 21% polyunsaturated fats (6% the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and 15% the omega-6 linoleic acid), and it has about 12% saturated fats. Mustard oil has high levels of both alpha-linolenic acid and erucic acid.

Mustard oil is used for lightening diyas in festive occasions in India. It is used as a content in producing hair oil & also in massage.