Nigella sativa (black-caraway, also known as nigella or kalonji), often called black cumin, is an annual flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to south and southwest Asia.
Kalonji Seeds (Nigella Seeds)
- A tiny black triangular seed.
- Bitter and peppery flavour.
- Kalonji (also known as Nigella seeds, Black Onion Seeds).
- Common in Indian cuisine.
- 100g bag.
Black onion seeds are used widely in Indian cuisine, commonly recognisable in naan breads, oil-based pickles and the spice blendpanch puren.
Directions
As with many spices, the flavour of kalonji seeds is enhanced by roasting for 1-2 minutes in a hot pan. If making naan bread, add to the dough mix before forming the naan and placing in a very hot oven.
Flavour and aroma aside, the tiny black seed comes with a whole lot of health benefits. It’s loaded with trace elements, vitamins, crystalline nigellone, amino acids, saponin, crude fiber, proteins and fatty acids like linolenic and oleic acids, volatile oils, alkaloids, iron, sodium, potassium and calcium. It keeps your heart healthy, addresses breathing problem, lubricates your joints, and is known to have anti-carcinogenic properties.
- Fights Acne
2. Keeps a Check on Diabetes
This is probably one of the most known benefits of kalonji. If you already have diabetes, kalonji oil can also help to manage it. Take half a teaspoon of the oil in a cup of black tea every morning, and see the difference in a few weeks.
- Increases Memory and Alleviates Asthma
- Gets Rid of Headaches
- Aids Weight Loss
6. Eases Joint Pain
It’s an old-school treatment; take a handful of kalonji seeds, and heat it well with mustard oil. Once the oil is smoking, take it off the flame and cool it down for a bit.
- Controls Blood Pressure
8. Protects the Kidney
Kidney stones are a common urban problem. It is said that half a teaspoon of kalonji oil had with two teaspoons of honey and warm water can aid in getting rid of kidney pain, stones and infections. But you also need to consult a doctor to get a proper diet.
