What is Nigella Seeds, Kalonji?

Kalonji, scientifically known as Nigella sativa, is a small, black seed that holds significant importance in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine. Often mistakenly called black cumin or black onion seeds, kalonji is distinct in its flavor and properties. These tiny, sharp-cornered seeds possess a unique, slightly bitter, and nutty taste with a pungent aroma, which sets them apart from other spices. In India, kalonji is revered not only for its culinary applications but also for its extensive health benefits, earning it the moniker "seed of blessing."

Kalonji is a staple in various regional Indian cuisines, particularly in Bengali, Punjabi, and Hyderabadi dishes. It is a key component of Panch Phoron, a five-spice blend crucial to Bengali cooking, where it's tempered in hot oil to infuse dals, curries, and vegetable stir-fries with its distinctive flavor. In other parts of India, kalonji is often sprinkled on naan bread, parathas, and other flatbreads before baking, imparting a delightful crunch and aroma. Its strong flavor means it's usually used in small quantities, often dry-roasted to enhance its taste before being added to a dish.

Beyond its role in main courses, kalonji is widely used in Indian pickles and chutneys. Its unique flavor acts as a natural preservative and enhances the overall taste profile of these condiments. From mango chutney to mixed vegetable pickles, kalonji adds a pungent yet complementary note that makes these traditional accompaniments even more enjoyable. The seeds are typically added whole during the cooking process, allowing their oils and flavors to slowly meld with the other ingredients.

In the realm of traditional Indian medicine, particularly Ayurveda and Unani, kalonji has been recognized for centuries as a potent medicinal herb. It's often referred to as "Upakunci" in Ayurveda. Its properties are believed to pacify Vata and Kapha doshas while increasing Pitta. Kalonji is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and carminative properties. It has been traditionally used to aid digestion, alleviate bloating and gas, and help with various stomach discomforts.

The medicinal applications of kalonji in India are extensive. It's often used for its potential benefits in managing respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis, where its anti-inflammatory effects can help relax airways. It is also traditionally used to support heart health by helping to balance cholesterol levels and maintain blood pressure. Furthermore, kalonji is believed to aid in blood sugar regulation, making it a common recommendation in traditional remedies for individuals with diabetes. Its immune-boosting properties also make it a popular choice for overall wellness.

Beyond internal consumption, kalonji and its oil are also valued for external applications in India. Kalonji oil is frequently used in hair care to promote hair growth, reduce hair fall, and treat scalp conditions like dandruff. For skin ailments, it's applied topically to help manage conditions like acne and eczema, owing to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The versatility of kalonji, from flavoring everyday dishes to its profound medicinal uses, solidifies its position as an indispensable ingredient in Indian households and a true "seed of blessing" across the subcontinent.

Also Known as

Kalonji, onion seeds

How to SelectNigella Seeds, Kalonji

• They are readily available in grocery stores.

• Select uniform-sized, jet black seeds.

• Check the packaging and use-by date.

Culinary Uses of Nigella Seeds, Kalonji

• Having an elegant shape and a jet black colour makes nigella a popular decorative spice for tossing onto breads (such as naan), savoury biscuits or pastries, as well as over salads. See the use of nigella seeds on Indian sabzis below. 

1.      Achari Paneer an aromatic accompaniment, which imbibes its flavour from a mixture of seeds used in the seasoning.

2.      Achari Dahi Bhindi wide assortment of seeds and spice powders, which give it a super peppy flavour and aroma too.

3.      Aloo Aur Kaddu ki Subzi red pumpkin cooked with an aromatic tempering of assorted seeds and spices, a couple of traditional spice powders, a dash of curds and tomatoes. 

4.      Hyderabadi Baghara Baingan flavour-packed treat for your palate, the Hyderabadi Baghara Baingan is loaded with the dynamic flavours of several seeds and spices. 

5.      Baby Corn Aur Paneer ka Salan crunchy baby corn and creamy soft paneer enhance the flavours and provide an interesting new twist to the recipe of Salan.

• A tempering of kalonji along with jeera or saunf goes well over rice.

• Its nut-like, peppery taste adds great value to any type of curry or stew, and to dal. Kalonji is either dry-roasted or tempered in cooking oil before being added to such recipes.

• Nigella is an essential ingredient in the Bengali five-spice mix known as panch phora or panch puran, used to temper dal, greens and other subzis.

• Toasted nigella can be added to citric pickles to balance the flavour and improve digestion.

How to Store Nigella Seeds, Kalonji

• Nigella seeds are best stored in an airtight container, away from moisture.

• It is good to purchase in small amounts and buy as required, to retain its aroma and flavour.

Health Benefits of Nigella Seeds, Kalonji

• Black seed contains nigella and melatin, two ingredients that give it highly diversified medicinal powers. These substances work together to improve digestion and to cleanse the body.

• Nigella seeds also help fight against respiratory ailments.

• It also acts as an antihistamine, which helps to reduce the negative symptoms of allergy sufferers.

• It is also a strong antioxidant and helps cleanse the body of toxins.

• Black seed provides a rich supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which play a key role in daily health and wellness. They help to regulate metabolism, balance insulin levels, control cholesterol, improve body circulation, and promote healthy liver function.

• Mix a teaspoon of kalonji oil in boiling water and inhale the vapours twice a day. This helps to relieve nasal congestion.

• To arrest vomiting, it helps to take ½ a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice mixed with equal amount of kalonji seeds powder, twice a day.

• For getting rid of worms in the tummy, mix 1 spoon of vinegar with half teaspoon kalonji seeds powder and have it twice daily before food for 10 days, during which time you ought to avoid sweets.