What Is Nigella Seed?
Nigella seed (Nigella sativa) is a spice made from the small, black, angular seeds of a plant in the buttercup family. It is also known as “black cumin” or “kalonji,” but it is not botanically related to cumin.
It has a mildly bitter flavor between thyme and cumin, with a woody aroma that becomes more pronounced when toasted. In Turkish cooking, it is most commonly found on Turkish sesame rings, savory buns, and some cheeses.
Nigella Seed Nutrition
Detailed nutrition data for nigella seed based on a single reliable public source could not be verified to this encyclopedia’s standard, so this section has intentionally been left blank. The amount used in a recipe (a pinch) is so small that its nutritional contribution is practically negligible; it is used for aroma and appearance.
What Are the Benefits of Nigella Seed?
Nigella seed has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is now the subject of various studies on its plant compound thymoquinone; these studies have not yet led to a definitive health recommendation.
This is general information; nigella seed is a spice and is not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Nigella Seed
Good-quality nigella seed should be dark black, dry, and made up of loose seeds that do not stick together; avoid seeds that have become damp or clumped.
- The seeds should be matte black; gray or faded seeds are stale.
- A light aroma when rubbed between your fingers is a sign of freshness.
- Choose free-flowing seeds that are not damp or clumped.
How to Store Nigella Seed
Nigella seed can be stored for 1–2 years in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place. Keep the lid tightly closed to prevent moisture from getting in.
Using Nigella Seed in Cooking
Nigella seed is used as a garnish and for flavor on Turkish sesame rings, savory buns, bread, and some cheeses. It is also added to some salads and yogurt-based appetizers.
How Is Nigella Seed Used on Simit (Turkish Sesame Rings)?
Before baking, shaped Turkish sesame-ring dough is moistened and coated in a mixture of sesame seeds and nigella seeds; as it bakes, the seeds stick to the dough and give it its characteristic appearance and aroma.
Which Recipes Use Nigella Seed?
Nigella seed is used on Turkish sesame rings, savory buns, bread with kashar cheese and nigella seeds, and some herb cheeses; it also appears in some yogurt and salad recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is nigella seed good for?
Nigella seed has traditionally been consumed for digestion and general wellness; it is a spice and is not claimed to cure any disease.
Is nigella seed the same as cumin?
No. Despite the similarity in their names, nigella seed (Nigella sativa) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum) come from entirely different plants, and their flavor and aroma profiles are also distinct.
Should nigella seed be toasted?
Toasting is not required, but briefly toasting the seeds in a dry pan makes their aroma noticeably stronger.
Is nigella seed oil used the same way as the seeds?
No. Nigella seed oil is generally taken as a supplement or used externally, while the seeds are used directly in cooking and as a garnish.
Which breads use nigella seed?
It is most often used on Turkish sesame rings and some village breads; some regional recipes also add it to Turkish flatbread and savory-bun dough.