Nigella Seed

Nigella Seed

Seed Good year-round
Used in 9 of 203 cuisines (4%)

Dark, lustrous seeds with a robust, peppery flavor; nigella seeds offer a complex blend of onion, black pepper, and oregano notes. They add a delightful crunch and aromatic depth to dishes.

Where it comes from

Known as kalonji in South Asia, nigella seeds have been revered for their medicinal properties since ancient times, even mentioned in the Bible as a source of healing.

In the kitchen

Used whole or ground, nigella seeds enhance bread, curries, and pickles, providing a unique flavor profile that transforms simple foods into aromatic delights.

Across cuisines

Nigella seeds, also known as kalonji, are small, dark seeds with a robust, peppery flavor. They are used in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines to add crunch and aromatic depth to breads, pickles, and spice blends. Their flavor profile includes notes of onion, black pepper, and oregano.

Nutrition (per 100g)

~345kcalCal
~20.8gProtein
~41.5gFat
~26.1gCarbs
~6.0gFiber

AI-estimated; model and run unavailable.

Flavor affinities

Seen in these dishes