Black Cumin

Family: Apiaceae

English (UK): Black Cumin
French: Cumin Noir
German: Gewöhnlicher Knollenkümmel, Schwarzer Kreuzkümmel
Italian: Cumino Nero
Hindi/Urdu: Shahi Jeera, Kala Jeera

Alternative Names: Imperial Cumin, Wild Cumin, Kashmiri Cumin

Black cumin is a plant in the parsley family. The dried seeds are used as a culinary spice mainly in Northern India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Iran. The seeds have a very earthy and heavy aroma which is not pleasant, but on cooking the taste changes becomes nutty.

Black cumin should not be confused with the unrelated Nigella Sativa (Kalonji or Onion Seeds) which is often called black cumin in the West.