Nigella sativa
Country of Origin: India, certified organic
Nigella seeds come from the annual flowering plant called Nigella sativa, native to southwestern Asia and southern Europe. It is also known as black caraway and black cumin.
Nigella seeds have a teardrop shape, a crunchy texture and a nutty taste with notes of oregano and onion. They are not aromatic but they add an earthy flavor to various breads and pastries when sprinkled on top. Nigella seeds can be found in Middle-Eastern and also Indian recipes. Especially in India, the seeds are dry-roasted to be added in pilafs, salads and vegetable dishes. In Bengal, nigella is found in the five spice blend called panch phoron, while in Palestine the seeds are used to create a thick bitter paste called ''qizha'' which is a form of tahini.
Organic Nigella sativa seeds combine best with cassia cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, cumin, greek thyme, turmeric, fennel seeds and greek oregano.