Scientific Name: Nigella sativa
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Nigella
Species: N. sativa
What is the Black seed?
Black seed oil is an herbal ingredient derived from the plant Nigella sativa, which is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
Black seed oil contains antioxidants and bioactive compounds. It may benefit skin and hair health, help reduce inflammation, and support weight loss.
What does Black seed taste like?
Nigella seeds are probably one of the most confused spices. Nigella seeds have an oregano-like quality with herbaceous notes, a slight bitterness and a warm, toasted-onion flavor.
I like to add them whole to salads, sauces and even soups at the last minute just before serving. They are a great replacement for sesame seeds without the sweet element.
Nigella seeds have a distinct aroma and smokey taste that has notes of onion, cumin, and oregano. These unique characteristics make the seeds a great pairing in savory dishes.
What are the Culinary Uses for Black seeds?
Dietary tips
Popularly used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines, black seeds are used as a flavoring agent to add a taste similar to herbs.
To reap the miraculous benefits of black seeds:
Baked Goods. If you like to make your own bread or other baked goods, then you can toast and crush the seeds and add them to your mix.
Roast the seeds and sprinkle it over your bagels, biscuits, naans, and breads.
Add these seeds to your regular meals.
Use these seeds to season your fries, curries, salads, and soups.
Use black seed oil.
Prepare a mix of crushed roasted black seeds and blend them with roasted and crushed cumin, mustard, and fennel seeds. Use this as a seasoning in your dishes.
What is the Nutritional Value of Black seed?
Nigella sativa is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin B, fiber, carotene, and iron. Most of the health benefits are attributed to the bioactive compounds in the seeds – thymoquinone (TQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ), and thymol.
Nutritional value of black seeds per 100 grams:
|
Nutrient
|
Quantity
|
Amount
|
|
Energy
|
Kcal
|
400
|
|
Protein
|
g
|
16.67
|
|
Total lipid
|
g
|
33.33
|
|
Carbohydrates
|
g
|
50
|
|
Iron
|
mg
|
12
|
What is the health benefits of Black seeds?
Black seed oil is known for its powerful medicinal properties, black seed oil is a natural remedy that people use to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
· headaches
· back pain
· high blood pressure
· infections
· inflammation
· Acne
· Asthma.
· Diabetes
· lung disease
It also offers a long list of science-backed health and beauty benefits, thanks to its content of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds.