Nigella Seeds

Black Seed / Kalonji / Black Caraway / Fennel flower / Nigella sativa

Not to be confused with popular television cooks. This indispensable spice from India lends its bready flavor and striking black appearance best to starches, beans, and all sorts of roasted vegetables.

In stock
SKU
SCH3710BLK
As low as $6.02
Nigella

Nigella is the botanical name for love-in-the-mist flowers, a popular garden plant with large, sky blue petals and lacy foliage. However, the black seeds used for culinary purposes come from a less grandiose species with petals more cream colored and fewer in number. (It’s rather blah to be honest.)

The seeds of this plant are called nigella, black caraway, and kalonji, though are sometimes misnamed as black onion seed. The seeds are tiny as pinpricks and carbon colored. Popular in India, West Bengal, and Bangladesh they’re rarely consumed outside of these countries. The seeds are often sold whole as grinding them releases its volatile oils which degrade quickly. While added to spice mixtures, the seeds are often used whole as a garnish for breads and curries. The seeds are also mixed with salt and used to flavor legume, grain, potato, and vegetable dishes before cooking.

While their crunchy texture is lovely it is their unique-to-the-spice-world flavor that makes them so darn keen. Subtle to be sure, but salt and starches bring out their nutty-earthy flavor. The aroma is uniquely yeasty and bready, with hints of oregano.

More Information
IngredientsBlack caraway seeds.
Basic PreparationCrush, or add whole to recipe as instructed.
Recommended ApplicationsA well-known ingredient in English seed cake, nigella seeds can also be utilized in other various desserts. Other great additions of this spice include carrots, duck, cabbage, potatoes, sausages, and goose. Commonly used as a digestive aid, black seed can also be used and chewed after meals.
Taste & AromaBittersweet, Pungent, Sweet, Warm & Earthy
Product StyleWhole, Seeds/Berries
CuisineAustrian, British, European, German, Hungarian, Moroccan
Handling / StorageTo be stored in a cool, dry place.
Shelf Life4 Years
Country of OriginIndia
Dietary PreferencesAll Natural, Gluten-Free, Kosher Parve, Non-GMO
Allergen InformationNone Specified

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