Black Cumin Seeds

Description

Black Cumin Seeds for Cooking and Tea Infusions

Black Cumin Seeds are aromatic whole seeds with a bold, slightly peppery and gently nutty flavour. They come from the plant Nigella sativa and are not related to cumin or caraway, despite the similar name.

These small black seeds are widely used in Middle Eastern, Indian and Mediterranean-inspired cooking. They add flavour and texture to bread, flatbread, vegetables, salads, soups, stews and sauces. You can also use them to prepare a distinctive tea infusion.

Black Cumin Seeds with a Bold Aroma

The flavour is spicy, slightly peppery and subtly nutty. Therefore, a small amount is often enough to give food or tea blends a noticeable character.

You can use the seeds whole, crush them shortly before preparation or toast them gently in a dry pan. Crushing releases more of their aroma, while light toasting highlights the spicy and nutty notes.

Using Black Cumin in the Kitchen

Sprinkle the seeds over bread, rolls or flatbread before baking to create a savoury crust and decorative finish. They also pair well with hearty doughs, yoghurt dips, vegetable fillings and dishes inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine.

You can also add them to lentils, chickpeas, rice, curries, roasted vegetables, soups and mild sauces. Start with a small quantity and adjust the amount according to your taste.

Whole, Crushed or Lightly Toasted

Whole seeds add texture and release their flavour gradually. For dressings, marinades and spice blends, crush them shortly before use to create a stronger aroma.

For a rounder flavour, toast the seeds briefly without oil. Move them regularly and remove them from the pan before they become too dark.

Preparing a Black Cumin Seed Infusion

For a spicy infusion, lightly crush a small amount of seeds and pour freshly boiling water over them. Allow the infusion to steep for a few minutes before straining.

The flavour is bold, slightly peppery and noticeably more savoury than a classic herbal tea. Begin with a small amount and increase it during the next preparation if you prefer a stronger result.

Uses and Characteristics

• whole seeds of Nigella sativa
• bold, slightly peppery and nutty flavour
• suitable for bread and savoury baking
• ideal for vegetables, rice, soups and stews
• useful in spice blends, dressings and marinades
• also suitable for aromatic tea infusions

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Explore more aromatic seeds, herbs and spices in our Fruit & Spices category.

Storage

• store in a cool, dry place away from light
• keep in a tightly closed container
• protect from moisture and strong surrounding odours

Ingredients

100% Black Cumin Seeds (Nigella sativa)