Nuts
Seed
Nigella seed (Nigella sativa), also called kalonji or black cumin (not true cumin), is a small matte-black teardrop seed with an oregano-onion, slightly bitter aroma. Seeds are used whole as a crust on breads and naan, tempered in oil for Bengali and Middle Eastern dishes, or lightly crushed into spice mixes. Heat blooms the fragrance; raw seeds can taste dusty. Do not confuse with onion seed marketing names or with black sesame. A little goes far—overuse turns dishes soapy-bitter. Keep airtight; whole seeds hold better than ground. Optional oil is pressed for specialty use but most kitchens stock the dry seed only.
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
Nutrition and pairings
Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 35 g
- Saturated Fat 5.25 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 12.3 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 17.5 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 5.21 mg
- Salt 0.01 g
- Total Carbohydrate 35 g
- Dietary Fibre 10.6 g
- Total Sugars 3.99 g
- Complex / starch 5.21 g
- Protein 18 g
- Water 8 g
- Energy 527 kcal
- Water 8 g
- Carbohydrates 35 g
- Protein 18 g
- Fat 35 g
- Saturated Fat 5.25 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 12.3 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 17.5 g
- Omega-3 6.13 g
- Vitamins 89.3 mg
- Vitamin A 15 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.22 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.17 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 2.2 mg
- Vitamin B5 — Pantothenic Acid 0.55 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.16 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 16.1 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 42.5 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin E 5.21 mg
- Vitamin K 5.2 µg
- Minerals 307 mg
- Major Minerals 305 mg
- Trace Minerals 1.5 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Salt 0.01 g
Vitamins
vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-a: 15 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.22 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.17 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 2.2 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.55 · vitamin-b6: 0.16 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 16.1 · vitamin-b9-folate: 42.5 · vitamin-e: 5.21 · vitamin-k: 5.2 ·
Minerals
Seeds concentrate oil and protein for germination energy.
History
Individual seeds featured in spice blends and planting stock.