Mustard seed vs nigella (kalonji)
Nigella is often sold as ‘black onion seed’ in the UK. It is not mustard, and it is not black cumin.
Culinary differences only. Traditional use is not scientific evidence of a medical effect.
Mustard seed
राई / सरसों · Brassica juncea / Brassica nigra / Sinapis alba
Black, brown, or yellow seeds for tadka and pickles. Allergen: mustard.
Full guide →Flavour and kitchen job
Mustard pops in hot oil for South Indian and Bengali tadka. Nigella is onion-like, used on naan and in some pickles and nigella-tempered vegetables.
When to use which
- Mustard seed for sambar, lemon rice, poha, and Bengali fish.
- Nigella on breads, in panch phoron, and some pickles.
If the seed pops aggressively in oil, you probably have mustard. Kalonji is quieter.
Recipes
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