Nigella Seeds: Savoury Spice

Nigella seeds bring a mildly bitter, nutty, and slightly onion-like flavour to both sweet and savoury dishes. Perfect for breads, curries, and spice blends, they add a distinctive aromatic touch.

Nigella

Nigella sativa

What is Nigella?

Nigella seeds, also called black cumin or kalonji, are widely used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and North African cuisines. They add a complex, slightly pungent flavour to breads, pastries, curries, pickles, and spice blends.

Toasting the seeds enhances their aroma and deepens their taste. Nigella seeds are also valued for their traditional medicinal properties, including digestive and antioxidant benefits.

Their subtle bitterness and savoury notes make them versatile for both sweet and savoury dishes.

Flavour and Taste

Nigella seeds have a mildly bitter, peppery, and slightly onion-like taste with subtle nutty undertones. Toasting the seeds enhances their aroma and deepens their flavour, making them ideal for spicing breads, curries, pickles, and traditional Middle Eastern or Indian recipes.

Facts about Nigella

Where Does Nigella
Come From?

Nigella is native to South and Southwest Asia. It is cultivated in India, Turkey, Egypt, and parts of the Middle East.

The plant thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and temperate to warm climates.

Popular Varieties of
Nigella

Black cumin / Nigella seeds

Small, black, slightly bitter seeds used in cooking.

White nigella seeds

Rarer, milder, sometimes used for ornamental purposes or in breads.

FAQ

What do nigella seeds taste like?

Nigella seeds are mildly bitter, peppery, slightly onion-like, with a nutty aroma that becomes more pronounced when toasted.

How are nigella seeds used in cooking?

They are commonly added to breads, curries, pickles, and spice blends for a subtle, aromatic flavour.

Are black and white nigella seeds different?

Yes — black nigella seeds are more common and flavourful, while white nigella seeds are rarer, milder, and sometimes used for decorative or baking purposes.

Can nigella seeds be toasted?

Absolutely — toasting releases their aroma and deepens the flavour for both breads and cooked dishes.

Are nigella seeds healthy?

Yes — they have been traditionally valued for digestive, antioxidant, and general wellness benefits.

Recipe Idea:
Nigella-Spiced Naan

Rub a whole chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a generous sprinkle of dried oregano.
Roast at 200°C (400°F) for about 1 hour, basting occasionally with its juices.
Serve with roasted potatoes tossed in olive oil and oregano for a fragrant, comforting meal.

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