Nigella, also known as kalonji, Black cumin, and black onion seed, is the seed of Nigella sativa, an annual flowering plant native to southwest Asia. The dry roasted nigella seeds flavor curries, vegetables and pulses, and is used as a spice in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Nigella tastes like oregano and have a bitterness like Mustard-seeds. It can be used as a "pepper" in recipes with pod fruit, vegetables, salads and poultry. Nigella is also used primarily in confectionery and liquors.
Nigella sativa grows to 20-30 cm tall, with finely divided, linear leaves. The flowers are delicate, pale blue and white, with 5-10 petals. Its fruit is large with inflated capsule composed of 3-7 united follicles. Each follicle contains several seeds, which are used as a spice.
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