Description
Kalo Jeera or Black cumin seed is an annual plant of the ranunculus family (Ranunculaceae), grown for its pungent seeds, which are used as a spice and in herbal medicine. The black cumin plant is found in southwestern Asia and parts of the Mediterranean and Africa, where it has a long history of use in diverse culinary and medicinal traditions. The seeds have an aroma similar to fennel and have a pungent flavor somewhat similar to nutmeg, though the plant is not related to either.
Kalo Jeera are commonly roasted and ground as a spice and are widely used in Nepal, India, the Middle East, and parts of north Africa to season curries, rice, breads, and sweet confections. Black cumin seed is also vital in traditional medicine in many places and is an esteemed herbal remedy for a wide variety of ailments. Historically, it has been used for headache, toothache, nasal congestion, asthma, arthritis, and intestinal worms. Also, for “pink eye” (conjunctivitis), pockets of infection (abscesses), and parasites. And nowadays, it is most commonly used for asthma, diabetes, hypertension, weight loss, and other conditions as well. Whereas, the plant is often grown as an ornamental for its attractive flowers and is closely related to love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena), a more common ornamental.
