Black Cumin

Black Cumin (Imperial Cumin) are the dry seeds of the Elwendia persica, a relative of the parsley family. It tends to be a a rare, hard to find spice outside of India and the Middle East, where it is a prized spice. Often when people talk of Black Cumin, they’re referring to Nigella seeds or even Caraway seeds, but this is incorrect. Otherwise known as Shahi Jeera, Black Cumin is its own unique spice with its own unique flavour. They are darker brown than regular cumin seeds and have a sweeter, floral, nutty flavour. Traditionally, it would add depth of flavour to rice, meats and breads, reflecting historic royal use.

You can swap out Black Cumin with regular cumin to change up flavours. However, as harvest only reaps a few grams of seeds per plant, it costs more than regular cumin and therefore tends to go with special dishes. Quite often you will find them whole as a garnish because grinding them can reduce the flavour significantly. We also have regular Cumin, Nigella Seeds, Caraway Seeds and Fenugreek Seeds, should you be looking for those.