nigella seed

BOTANICAL NAME

Nigella sativa

AKA

black cumin
black seed
nigella
charnushka

Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin or black seed, is a flowering plant that is native to South Asia and the Middle East. It is an annual plant that grows up to two feet tall and produces small, blue flowers and tiny, black seeds. The seeds are highly prized for their unique flavor and are widely used in cooking and traditional medicine.

Nigella sativa plants prefer well-draining soil and full sun and should be spaced about six inches apart when planted. They are drought-tolerant and do not require a lot of water to thrive, but they do benefit from occasional watering during dry spells. Nigella sativa plants are generally easy to grow and are often grown as annuals or used as a natural pest deterrent in gardens.

The seeds of the plant are typically harvested when it is fully mature and the seeds are ripe, which is usually around six to eight weeks after planting. The seeds are carefully extracted from the plant and then dried in the sun or in a dehydrator. Once dried, the seeds are ready to be ground into a powder or used whole in cooking.

Nigella sativa is grown in many parts of the world, including the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa. In addition to being used for culinary and medicinal purposes, it is also grown for its ornamental value and is often used in landscaping and garden design.