Nigella

/naɪˈdʒɛlə/ noun

Definition

Small, black, teardrop-shaped seeds with a nutty, slightly bitter flavor, used in Middle Eastern and Indian breads, spice blends, and pickles.

Etymology

From Latin 'nigellus' meaning 'blackish,' referring to the seed color. Also called black cumin, kalonji, or black onion seed, though it's related to none of these plants but rather to the buttercup family.

Kelly Says

Despite being called 'black cumin' or 'black onion seed,' nigella seeds come from a delicate blue flower related to love-in-a-mist and have nothing to do with cumin or onions - they're pure members of the buttercup family with a unique, irreplaceable flavor!

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