Spice | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Black Cumin Seeds

Nigella sativa Allergen-Free
Black Cumin Seeds

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Ranunculaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Indian|Middle Eastern|North African
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Nigella sativa plant seeds

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

Small, tear-shaped black seeds with a pungent, slightly bitter, and peppery flavor, commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Sensory Profile

TastePungent, Peppery, Slightly bitter, Earthy, Nutty
TextureCrunchy (when whole), gritty (when ground)
AromaAromatic, Slightly smoky, Onion-like
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tsp (2g)
Calories344 kcal
Total Fat15 g
Saturated Fat0.6 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein16 g
Total Carbohydrate52 g
Dietary Fiber40 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium1860 mg
Iron10.5 mg
Potassium1788 mg

Chef’s Secret

Dry-roasting black cumin seeds briefly before adding them to dishes enhances their nutty, onion-like aroma and reduces their bitterness, making their flavor more pronounced.

Substitutions

Best Match

Nigella Seeds

1:1

Often interchangeable, Nigella sativa is precisely what most call 'black cumin seeds' commercially. Offers the same characteristic flavor.

Regular Cumin Seeds

1/2:1

Provides an earthy undertone, but lacks the specific peppery and bitter notes of black cumin. Use with a touch of black pepper.

Black Sesame Seeds

1:1

Offers a visual similarity and nutty crunch, but no flavor resemblance. Good for garnish when flavor isn't paramount.

Mustard Seeds (ground)

1/4:1

Can provide a pungent, peppery kick, but will significantly alter the flavor profile. Best for curries where other spices can balance.

Buying Guide

Look for whole, unbroken seeds with a rich, dark color and distinct aroma.

Flavor Pairings

Lentils potatoes eggplant chicken lamb flatbreads pickles curries chutneys.