Nigella Sativa
Black Cumin Seed / Nigella Sativa / Organic Bulgarian Black Cumin Seeds / Black Caraway / Kalonji
Origin: Bulgaria
Botanical Name: Nigella Sativa
Other Names: Black caraway, Nigella, Kalonji, Charnushka
Nigella sativa (black caraway, also known as black cumin, nigella, kalonji, charnushka) is an annual flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to eastern Europe (Bulgaria and Romania) and western Asia (Cyprus, Turkey, Iran and Iraq), but naturalized over a much wider area, including parts of Europe, northern Africa and east to Myanmar. It is used as a spice in many cuisines.
Taste like a combination of onions, black pepper and oregano.
Black cumin is actually a wonderful appetite suppressant, which, means that it makes you feel full faster, so you eat less.
The dry-roasted seeds flavour curries, vegetables, and pulses. They can be used as a seasoning in recipes with pod fruit, vegetables, salads, and poultry. In some cultures, the black seeds are used to flavour bread products, and are used as part of the spice mixture panch phoron. Nigella sativa seeds are used as a spice to flavor buns, breads and pastries, sauces and beverages.
Using: Crush the 1-2 teaspoons seeds in a mortar and pestle; doesn’t have to be too fine, you just want to release the essential oils. Place them in a teaball, and the teaball in your cup. Pour hot water over and allow to steep 8 to 10 minutes. Remove teaball and discard contents.
*In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration classifies Nigella sativa as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use as a spice, natural seasoning, or flavouring.
Traditional Use
Black cumin (nigella, kalonji) is grown in Bulgaria and across the Middle East and has been treasured for thousands of years. The seeds are traditionally used:
- In the kitchen: on breads, flatbreads, pastries and in pickles, curries and vegetable dishes
- To support the body's natural defenses
- As a tea after meals to support comfortable digestion
- Cold-pressed for black seed oil
Harvest & Character
Small, matte black, angular seeds with a peppery, oregano-like taste. Crush just before use.
Please note: Not for medicinal use during pregnancy.
Disclaimer: These statements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health concern or condition, consult you doctor. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet or using any new product.
