Spice guide / Nigella
What is Nigella?
Small black seeds (kalonji), not black cumin.
Short answer: Nigella (Hindi: कलौंजी) is Nigella sativa. Oregano-onion, slightly bitter. Culinary use only — not a medicine.
| Common name | Nigella |
|---|---|
| Hindi | कलौंजी |
| Sanskrit | — |
| Botanical name | Nigella sativa |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Origin | India and wider West/South Asia |
| Main producing regions | Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab |
| Flavour | Oregano-onion, slightly bitter |
| Aroma | — |
| Forms | seeds |
| Retail packs | 100g–5kg (typical; see products) |
| Bulk | 10kg+ |
What is Nigella?
Nigella sativa is kalonji. It is frequently confused with kala jeera. Keep them as separate entities.
History of Nigella
Origin
India and wider West/South Asia
Growing regions
Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab
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
Oregano-onion, slightly bitter. . Colour: . Heat: none.
Whole vs ground
Nigella 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
- Naan
- Pickle
- Vegetables
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
Nigella 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.
Recipes using this spice
- Quick mango pickle tempering — Mustard oil tadka for a small jar of mango pickle — follow hygiene for home preserves.
