Nigella Sativa - Black Cumin, India - Buy Online at Europe's Spice Shop
Nigella Sativa, also known as black cumin or black caraway, is a spice commonly referred to as black onion seeds in the Asian region. It comes from the seed of a delicate flower belonging to the buttercup family, with its origins in Southwest Asia. Today, India holds the largest consumption and production of black caraway, making it a significant player in the spice market.
Nigella Seeds: Appearance and Characteristics
Nigella seeds are small and have a black color with a rough surface, resembling tiny raindrops.
Nigella Sativa: Aroma and Flavor Profile
Nigella has a mild aroma and is essentially odorless. However, when ground, it emits a scent reminiscent of oregano. Its taste is nutty, peppery, and evokes hints of sesame with a subtle touch of cumin.
Culinary Uses of Black Cumin
Black cumin is a staple spice in Indian, Turkish, and Asian cuisine. It is a common ingredient in many spice blends from these regions, including Garam Masala and Panch Phoron.
In baking, black cumin adds a unique aroma to rolls, bread loaves, and Indian Naan bread. It also pairs well with sesame and caraway.
Black cumin enhances the flavors of fruits, vegetables, Pilaws, curries, and kormas in Indian cuisine. It adds a delicate and nutty note to vegetarian dishes, as well as omelets and potatoes, infusing them with a delightful Oriental flavor.
Extra Tip:
Nigella combines harmoniously with a variety of spices, including pepper, allspice, coriander, cardamom, fennel, ginger, beans, cinnamon powder, thyme, oregano, turmeric, and cross-cumin. Feel free to experiment with different spice combinations and discover your favorite flavors.
