Black Cumin (Nigella sativa)

Family: Ranunculaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

The common name used, Black cumin, is also used for the seeds of Bunium persicum which are a similar shape, but their color is darker brown. When crushed Bunium persicum seeds are highly aromatic, almost piney and less earthy than Nigella seeds. The flavor of Bunium persicum is similarly pine-like, astringent, and bitter.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring on bread, cakes, curries, pickles etc. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Normally used as a flavouring on bread, cakes, curries, pickles etc.; There is a belief that eating the seed will make a woman's breasts plumper.; The seed is a very popular spice from the Mediterranean to India.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste places, arable land and waysides. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)