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NIGELLA
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Description:
Nigella is usually known as black onion seeds, a misnomer really as the seeds have nothing to do with onions. Nigella is the dried, seed like fruit of a small herb. Nigella grows in the Middle East, Southern Europe and most extensively in India.
How to select:
Small black seeds that provide a slightly bitter and somewhat peppery flavour when dried for use in foods. With a teardrop shape and a crunchy texture, the Nigella Seed has a thin outer casing that is rough and sharply pointed covering an oily white interior. If necessary to substitute, celery seed may be the best alternative or possibly onion seed if Nigella is not readily available. Nigella Seeds can be found in Middle Eastern or Indian food stores as well as specialty food markets.
Use:
This seed is often used in Middle Eastern foods, such as Indian cuisine where it is considered a spice to be added to meat and vegetable dishes or sprinkled on top of breads prior to baking, such as naan bread. In the Middle East, Nigella Seeds are added to the bread dough to enhance the flavour and texture. The flavour within the seed is enhances after it is baked, toasted or fried in a small amount of oil or juices of foods.
How to store:
Store it in a airtight container in a cool dry place.
Health benefits:
Nigella provides a rich supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These ingredients play a key role in daily health and wellness. They help to regulate the metabolism, carry toxins to the skin's surface for elimination, balance insulin levels, regulate cholesterol, improve body circulation, and promote healthy liver function. A deficiency in polyunsaturated fatty acids can lead to a wide number of health problems including nervous system disorders, uninhibited growths, and skin diseases.
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