Whole Nigella Seeds (Black Seed)

Nigella seeds are the small, jet black seeds of Nigella sativa, a plant that has been used in kitchens and herbalist shops around the Mediterranean and the Middle East for centuries. In Morocco they are known as sanouj, and in Arabic as habba sawda, which simply means black seed. You will also find them sold as black cumin, although they are a different plant from cumin.

At Épices35, we select our nigella seeds the way we select all our spices: by sight, by smell and by experience. Each jar is packed in our shop in Marrakech, and the clear jar lets you see exactly what you are buying. The seeds are whole, so they keep their aroma much longer than ground nigella.

The flavor is peppery and slightly bitter, with a warm, earthy note that reminds many people of oregano and a hint of onion. A small pinch is enough to change a dish. Toasting the seeds for a few seconds in a dry pan makes the aroma stronger and rounder.

Ways to enjoy them:
Sprinkle them over bread, flatbreads and pastries before baking.
Add them to salads, yogurt, soft cheese and dips.
Use them in roasted vegetables, pickles and spice blends.
Brew them in hot water, with honey or mint, for a warming drink.

Not sure how much to use or what to pair them with? Message us on WhatsApp and we will gladly explain, just as we do in the shop over a glass of mint tea.

HOW TO USE
In cooking: use half a teaspoon to one teaspoon per dish. Add the seeds at the end for a fresh bite, or toast them in a dry pan for 20 to 30 seconds over medium heat to bring out the aroma.
On bread and pastries: brush the dough with a little water or egg, sprinkle a generous pinch of seeds on top and bake as usual.
In tea: crush half a teaspoon lightly, pour over hot water, steep for 5 minutes, strain and sweeten with honey if you like.
Grinding: crush the seeds just before use in a mortar or spice grinder for the strongest flavor.
Tip: if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, ask your doctor before eating nigella seeds regularly in large amounts.

PRODUCT DETAILS
Brand: Épices35
Product: Whole nigella seeds (black seed)
Botanical name: Nigella sativa
Other names: black cumin, black seed, sanouj, habba sawda
Form: whole seeds
Flavor: peppery, slightly bitter, warm and earthy
Packaging: clear screw-top jar
Packed in: Marrakech, Morocco
Use: bread, salads, vegetables, spice blends, herbal tea
Storage: airtight, in a cool dry place, away from light and moisture
Shipping: worldwide

FAQ (for featured snippets)

• What are nigella seeds used for?
  Nigella seeds are used as a spice on bread, salads, vegetables and cheese, in spice blends and in herbal tea. They have a peppery, slightly bitter flavor.
• Are nigella seeds the same as black cumin or black seed?
  Yes, these are common names for the same seeds. Despite the name, nigella is not related to cumin, and it is not black sesame either.
• How do I use nigella seeds in cooking?
  Use half a teaspoon to one teaspoon per dish. Sprinkle them on bread or salads, or toast them briefly in a dry pan to bring out the aroma.
• How do I store nigella seeds?
  Keep them in an airtight jar, in a cool dry place, away from light. Whole seeds keep their aroma longer than ground ones.
• Do you ship nigella seeds internationally?
  Yes, we ship worldwide. Order on the site or message us on WhatsApp.