Spice guide / Black cumin
What is Black cumin?
Smaller, darker seeds than common cumin; used in biryani and rich gravies.
Short answer: Black cumin (Hindi: काला जीरा) is Bunium persicum. Floral, earthy, slightly smoky. Culinary use only — not a medicine.
| Common name | Black cumin |
|---|---|
| Hindi | काला जीरा |
| Sanskrit | — |
| Botanical name | Bunium persicum |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Origin | Himalayan / Central Asian highlands; used in North Indian and Kashmiri cooking |
| Main producing regions | Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand |
| Flavour | Floral, earthy, slightly smoky |
| Aroma | — |
| Forms | seeds, whole |
| Retail packs | 100g–5kg (typical; see products) |
| Bulk | 10kg+ |
What is Black cumin?
Black cumin / kala jeera (often Bunium persicum, also called shahi jeera in trade) is not the same as nigella (kalonji). Confirm botanical identity on the lot. Flavour is more floral and camphor-like than Cuminum cyminum.
History of Black cumin
Origin
Himalayan / Central Asian highlands; used in North Indian and Kashmiri cooking
Growing regions
Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand
How it is grown
Harvest
Processing
Grades
- Standard: Admin-configured commercial grade
- Premium: Admin-configured higher visual/purity selection
- Export Grade: Only show when export specifications exist for the lot
- Machine Cleaned: Machine cleaned — confirm process for the lot
Only grades that apply to a lot should be shown at purchase. These are templates, not invented industry certificates.
Flavour, aroma and colour
Floral, earthy, slightly smoky. . Colour: . Heat: none.
Whole vs ground
Black cumin is usually used whole. Toast briefly in dry pan or hot fat, then leave whole in the dish or grind. Do not confuse toasting with burning — bitter notes mean it went too far.
Culinary uses
- Biryani
- Korma
- Pulao
Traditional uses
Recorded in culinary tradition. Traditional use is not scientific evidence of a medical effect.
SpicyCenter does not claim that spices cure, treat or prevent disease.
Storage and shelf life
Nutrition
Black cumin is a culinary seasoning. Nutrition values are pack-specific and must match the label for UK/EU sale. We do not claim that this spice treats, cures or prevents disease.
Buying guide
Tell us the quantity you need, from 100 gm to 1 metric ton. Prices are not published on this website. Availability is confirmed on the enquiry.
