Black cumin, found in Smiling Coyote Farm’s “Old #18 Chili Mix” and “Old Red Spicy Rub, is unfamiliar territory for many of us. Most couldn’t describe or identify its flavor, and many misunderstand what the spice itself is.
Black cumin—called “kala jeera” in India--is not Nigella sativa (kalonji) although, in appearance, they do resemble one another. However, in flavor they differ.
Nigella, a spice we use in Panch Phoron, is ancient (found in King Tut's tomb), and could be a good subject for a post of its own. Erroneously called onion seeds, black cumin, black caraway or fennel flower, Nigella's qualities are often described as oregano-like with herbaceous notes, a slight bitterness, and a warm, toasted-onion flavor. Quite unlike black or brown cumin, nigella is in a class of its own.
Black cumin is a less pungent relative of brown cumin with a significantly different flavor profile. Black cumin has a sweeter, lemony, caraway-like flavor. While not as commonly used as its bro…
Black cumin—called “kala jeera” in India--is not Nigella sativa (kalonji) although, in appearance, they do resemble one another. However, in flavor they differ.
Nigella, a spice we use in Panch Phoron, is ancient (found in King Tut's tomb), and could be a good subject for a post of its own. Erroneously called onion seeds, black cumin, black caraway or fennel flower, Nigella's qualities are often described as oregano-like with herbaceous notes, a slight bitterness, and a warm, toasted-onion flavor. Quite unlike black or brown cumin, nigella is in a class of its own.
Black cumin is a less pungent relative of brown cumin with a significantly different flavor profile. Black cumin has a sweeter, lemony, caraway-like flavor. While not as commonly used as its bro…