Nigella sativa – Seeds

Also known as black caraway, black cumin, and Roman coriander, it has received much press recently as a remedy for everything from Asthma to Parkinson’s Disease.
Much of the clinical testing seems extremely positive and if the extreme interest that the pharmaceutical companies are showing towards this lovely little plant are any indication, I’d say it’s a ‘keeper’.
Most tests have been done on tincture of the seed, but to consume it daily as a spice flavouring, is certainly the most convenient and pleasing.
Fresh or dry roasted seeds add so much pungency to cooked pulses, vegetables or curries.
Nigella sativa seeds are easy to strike but transplant poorly, so it is best to sow where you want to grow and thin out a little.
While almost all commercially sold ‘Nigella’ as spice, is adulterated with, or replaced by, Nigella damascena, there is no definitive information on the difference.
All clinical and folkloric information pertains to Nigella sativa for anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.