Black cumin, nigella sativa

Black Cumin

Black Cumin Seeds

• Nigella Sativa
• Origin: India
• Form: Whole Seeds

Black Cumin: The Indian Spice in Seeds

Black cumin, or Nigella Sativa, is a spice with extraordinary properties and multiple uses, so much so that it is also known as the ‘blessed seed’. Black cumin seeds are oil seeds whose use is especially widespread in the Middle East, and its origin is ancient: a Hittite archaeological find dated 1650 BC revealed traces of a honey and nigella sativa compound, while in Tutankhamun's tomb a vial of black cumin seed oil was found! For this reason, this spice is also known as Egyptian black cumin, although it is also known as black sesame, Roman coriander, or black fennel—from an improper translation of the English ‘fennel flower’.

Plant and Variety

The plant from which black cumin seeds are derived is the Nigella Sativa, a plant of the Ranunculaceae family, widespread in Southwest Asia but now cultivated in various parts of the world. It has white flowers, slightly veined with blue, and its fruits contain the black seeds with versatile use. Black cumin should not be confused with the common cumin typical of the Mediterranean, nor with Bunium persicum, also known as black cumin, which has nothing to do with Nigella Sativa, as they belong to different plant families.

Black Cumin: Properties and Benefits

Black cumin has very important properties, and in Arab culture, it is considered a sort of panacea with multiple benefits. It is said that the Prophet Muhammad claimed it could “cure everything, except death”, and testimonies of the use of black cumin essential oil and ointments based on this special seed are extremely widespread; particularly in the Middle Ages, its rejuvenating and energizing power was studied, and it was considered an important phytotherapeutic herb, used in traditional Indian, Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicine for its immune-stimulating benefits.

The properties of black cumin are attributed to thymoquinone, a molecule found within nigella sativa seeds that constitutes its most important active ingredient. Black cumin seeds have important nutritional values, as they contain proteins, fibers, vitamin A and B6, calcium, and magnesium.

The research field on the benefits of black cumin is indeed vast, from studies of its effects on the thyroid to those on its action as an antihistamine. Being natural restoratives, black cumin seeds can indeed be allies against allergies, already used in Indian medicine against asthma and for beneficial effects on the respiratory tract. Decoctions with cumin seed oil or with the infusion of the seeds themselves are used, with significant benefits, as anti-asthmatics, also presenting a vaso-regulating effect.

Among the most interesting research, we mention the comparison between Diclofenac (active ingredient of Voltaren) and Nigella seed extract. According to this research, black cumin seeds are anti-inflammatory, slightly less potent than Diclofenac, but their effect is longer and, above all, they do not present the contraindications of the synthetic drug.

Another study reports its effectiveness in alleviating menopause symptoms.

When to Consume Black Cumin

Black cumin seeds can be consumed at different times of the day, depending on your needs. In cooking, they are used during recipe preparation, while for teas and infusions, it is preferable to take them in the evening or after main meals to benefit from their balsamic aroma and natural digestive support. Nigella sativa can be included daily in the diet as a spice or consumed as an infusion during periods when you want to support the body naturally.

Contraindications of Black Cumin Seeds

Black cumin has no particular contraindications, unless you have an allergy to its active ingredients, but as with all medicinal herbs, excessive use is not recommended. It is also advisable to avoid black cumin during pregnancy, as its active ingredients could lead to premature contractions.

Let's now explore the main uses of black cumin seeds and how to integrate them into our diet to take advantage of their beneficial effects.

How to Use Nigella Sativa Seeds?

How to consume black cumin seeds? As we have explored, this spice has numerous benefits, and it is important to know that the essential oil is not the only use of black cumin. In cooking, black cumin is used as a spice; its flavor is pungent and balsamic and can be used to prepare liqueurs, desserts, added to doughs, such as in cookies, or to enrich salads. Many even add black cumin seeds to milk to take advantage of their infusion properties. It is ideal on baked goods, for example, it can be used to coat bread: in India, the typical Peshawari naan is indeed covered with black cumin seeds.

The use of black cumin seeds in dishes is very common in the Middle East, where they are used to aid digestion and stimulate metabolism.

Forms and Methods of Use

Nigella sativa seeds can be used whole, crushed, or ground into powder. In whole form, they are ideal for bread, naan, soups, and curries, where they maintain their crunchy texture and typical pungent aroma. When crushed or powdered, they release their fragrance even more intensely and become perfect for seasonings, spice mixes, hummus, and marinades. The seeds can also be infused to prepare hot teas or boiled to obtain a more concentrated decoction. Choose the format that best suits your recipes and habits, and discover how versatile true black cumin is.

Black Cumin: Recipes

Black cumin seeds are very versatile; they can be added to salads, bakery products, or mixed into smoothies, as well as used in spice mixes for oriental-style preparations. The black seed can be used to prepare various recipes:

•         Black cumin lentil soups
•         Salmon fillet with cumin seeds
•         Garlic and black cumin potato cream
•         Garam Masala for your curries
•         Garlic, coriander, and black cumin naan bread

Given its properties, black cumin can also be consumed as a tea, hot or cold, allowing you to enjoy its properties, as these seeds are rich in essential oils. Let's see together the preparation of black cumin decoction.

Black Cumin Seed Tea: Recipe

To prepare a black cumin seed tea, you need:

•         200 ml of water
•         2 teaspoons of black cumin seeds

Place a small pot with water on the stove and wait for it to boil. When the water boils, add the cumin seeds and let them infuse for 8-10 minutes. It is necessary to cover the pot to prevent the vapors from escaping. Once the heat is turned off, the tea can be strained and drunk, sweetened with honey.

The combination of black cumin seeds and honey is very popular; in ancient times, it was indeed considered a remarkable remedy, as well as a powerful aphrodisiac.

Online Sale of Cumin Seeds

If you've been wondering where to find black cumin while searching for information about it, Terzaluna is the answer. We have carefully selected the quality of black cumin seeds, available for sale in our spice e-shop to enhance your dishes and create beneficial homemade herbal teas. Discover the qualities of nigella sativa and don't delay your purchase of black cumin seeds!

Price and Formats

Terzaluna is the place to find black cumin seeds at an affordable price.

• Black cumin seeds 100 g – €3.50
• Black cumin seeds 250 g – €7.70

Indian Spices for Sale on Terzaluna

If you have appreciated the organic black cumin seeds nigella sativa from Terzaluna, then you might also enjoy the wide range of Indian spices we have selected over years of experience.