Black Cumin – 20 Seeds

Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Seeds. Also known as black seed, Kaljoni, Fennel Flower and Love in a mist, it belongs to the buttercup family of flowering plants and is an annual plant. Nigella blooms in the summer with blue, pink or white flowers and have feathery leaves. It grows up to 30 cm tall and produces a fruit with seeds that are used as a flavorful spice in many cuisines.

In addition to its culinary use, Nigella is known for its medicinal properties. In fact, its use can be traced back several centuries as a natural remedy for everything from bronchitis to diarrhea. It is very popular in various traditional systems of medicine like Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda and Siddha.

N. sativa is native to Southern Europe, North Africa and Southwest Asia and it is cultivated in many countries in the world.

Common Names: Black caraway, black seed, black cumin, fennel flower, nigella, nutmeg flower, Roman coriander, black onion seed and kalonji.

Black Cumin Culinary Uses

• Nigella seeds have a strong aroma and taste that have notes of onion, oregano, and black pepper.
• Nigella seeds are found frequently in Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines,  in curries and lentil dishes alike.
• Nigella seeds goes well with root vegetable dishes as well as squashes such as spiced butternut squash.
• It can be added to  stir-fries.
• A common use of nigella is in bread and pastries.
• It is also used a a garnish on a salad for an extra crunch.

Black Cumin Medicinal Benefits

• The seeds of N. sativa are widely used in the treatment of various diseases like bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, rheumatism and skin disorders.
• Nigella seeds also have an antihistamine element and can aid in assisting with sore throats.
• It is also used as liver tonic, digestive, anti-diarrheal, appetite stimulant, emmenagogue, to increase milk production in nursing mothers, to fight parasitic infections, and to support immune system

Growing Black Cumin

Indoor Sowing: Not Recommended.

Direct Sowing:  Autumn and Early Spring.

• Sow seeds directly into the garden bed. Pat the soil gently to hold the seeds in place.
• Cover the seeds very lightly with soil, as they need light to germinate.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, during germination.
• Germination typically takes 10-14 days at a soil temperature of 16-18°C .
• Flower takes place about two to three months later.
• Need Full sunlight and soil with good drainage. Soil pH 6 to 7.
• Can survive in dry soils, but regular watering during prolonged dry periods is recommended.