Write: Tomás Franco. Author of Manual for Spices
The black seeds of nigella sativa, family ranunculaceae, they are a highly valued spice in Middle East, although still little known in Europe. It is common to refer to them as Nigella or Black Cumin, Neguilla or Ajenúz (in Spain) and Kalonji in the India.
These seeds have a aromatic spicy taste, similar to the pepper with a certain smell reminiscent of nutmeg.
Photo: grow manuals
Nutritional composition
| Energy (kJ / 100 g) | 2665 |
| Energy (kcal / 100 g) | 643 |
| Carbohydrates (g / 100 g) | 18,5 |
| Total fat (g / 100 g) | 54,2 |
| Proteins (g / 100 g) | 20,3 |
| MINERALS | |
| Calcium (Ca) (mg / 100 g) | 1200 |
| Phosphorus (P) (mg / 100 g) | 560 |
| Iron (Fe) (mg / 100 g) | 9,9 |
| VITAMINS | |
| Vit. B1 (thiamine) (mg / 100 g) | 0,5 |
| Vit. B2 (riboflavin) (mg / 100 g) | 0,2 |
La Nigella or black cumin has a high caloric content, mainly due to its large proportion in fat (54,2%), although the proportion of carbohydrates is very low. Regarding minerals, the content of calcium and phosphorus.
The oil from the seeds is mainly composed of glycerides of myristic, palmitic and stearic acids. In addition, they contain melantine -which is a toxic saponoside- essential oil (nigelone) and a bitter alkaloid (nigelin).
Nigella or black cumin in the kitchen
This spice Nigella or black cumin is used as a substitute for Pepper. It combines very well with onion and garlic, mainly in stews and stir-fries. It adapts perfectly to fatty foods such as lamb roast. It is used as a flavoring for breads and cakes, to which it gives a very marked flavor.
Shrimp salad with nigella
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- shawl
- 1 teaspoon of nigella seeds
- 250 gr of iceberg lettuce
- 50 gr of red cabbage
- 100 gr of carrot
- 10 surimi sticks
- 18 cooked prawns
Preparation of the dressing:
- Put the oil and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Mix and add a little salt.
- Slightly heat the nigella seeds in a pan and add to the previous mixture.
- Peel the prawns and put them in the mixture, leaving them to marinate for a while.
Salad preparation:
- Wash the vegetables and cut the lettuce into pieces, the red cabbage into fine julienne strips and the grated carrot.
- Chop the surimi sticks and add to the salad.
- Place the marinated prawns on top of the salad.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
To health
Although the seeds of Nigella or black cumin have been used since time immemorial as medicine, the truth is that there are few medical studies that corroborate its great potential.
There are some studies on the use of oil of nigella in the treatment of cancerous tumors and to mitigate the negative effects of chemotherapy. It is said to also act as hormonal modulator, being effective in lowering the blood sugar level. It is an excellent bactericide useful for treating infectious processes by fungi or bacteria.
In any case, it should always be used in moderation, due to its toxic effects at high concentrations, and avoided during pregnancy.
