"Serving Premium Quality Ingredients Since 1986"

Nigella Seeds

At Sterling Exports Inc., we proudly export premium quality Nigella Seeds, also known as Kalonji or Black Cumin. These tiny black seeds are valued worldwide for their distinctive flavor, culinary uses, and therapeutic properties.

Nigella seeds are small, matte-black grains with a rough surface and an oily white interior. They are triangular in shape, about 1.5–3 mm long, and are often mistaken for onion seeds. Although they have little bouquet, when rubbed they release an aroma reminiscent of oregano. Their taste is slightly bitter, peppery, and crunchy, making them a unique spice used in breads, curries, pickles, and spice blends globally.

At Sterling Exports, we ensure that our Nigella Seeds are sourced directly from trusted farmers, carefully cleaned, graded, and hygienically packed to meet international food safety and export standards.

General Product Details

Product Name
Nigella Seeds (Whole & Grounded)
Botanical Name
Nigella Sativa
Family Name
Ranunculaceae
Appearance
Small, matte-black, triangular seeds with rough texture
Flavor & Aroma
Slightly bitter, peppery taste with oregano-like aroma when crushed
Forms Available
Whole Seeds, Ground Powder
Primary Uses
Bakery (breads, bagels, naan), pickles, spice blends, curries, condiments, traditional medicine

Major Varieties

Whole Nigella Seeds
Ground Nigella Powder
Indian Kalonji Seeds
Middle Eastern Black Seed

Technical Specifications

Moisture Content
Max 8–10%
Purity
99% minimum
Admixture/Foreign Matter
< 1%
Oil Content
20–25% (cold-pressed oil widely used in health remedies)
Shelf Life
12–18 months under cool, dry storage
Processing
Cleaned, graded, fumigated, and hygienically packed
Packaging Options
100g to 50kg – laminated paper bags, PP bags, vacuum packs, jute bags, laminated pouches, mono cartons, private label available.

All specifications comply with international food safety standards.

History of Nigella Seeds

Nigella seeds (Nigella Sativa) have been cultivated for more than 2,000 years and are often referred to as the “seed of blessing.” They were discovered in the tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun, signifying their value in ancient times. Traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Middle Eastern remedies have long used Nigella seeds for their digestive, anti-inflammatory, and immunity-boosting benefits. While in ancient Egypt they were prized as a health tonic, in South Asia and the Middle East they became integral to cooking — particularly in breads, curries, and pickles. Today, Nigella seeds continue to hold a dual role as a culinary spice and natural health supplement worldwide.

Do You Know? 🌿

Nigella seeds are also known as Kalonji, Black Seed, or Black Cumin, though they are not related to cumin.
They were found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, showing their importance in ancient Egypt.
Nigella seeds are called the “Seed of Blessing” in Middle Eastern cultures.
When rubbed, the seeds release a fragrance similar to oregano or thyme.
They are a traditional ingredient in Indian naan breads, Middle Eastern flatbreads, and Turkish pastries.
Nigella seed oil is widely used for skin care, immunity boosting, and digestive health.
Unlike cumin or fennel, Nigella seeds are never eaten raw, but toasted or fried for flavor.
They are mentioned in Islamic tradition (Hadith) as a cure for “everything except death.”
Nigella seeds are often mistaken for onion seeds but are botanically unrelated.
Their crunchy texture and peppery-bitter flavor make them a favorite in pickles and chutneys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are Nigella Seeds commonly known as?
They are popularly called Kalonji or Black Seed, though sometimes confused with onion seeds.
Q2. What do Nigella Seeds taste like?
They have a peppery, slightly bitter flavor with an aroma similar to oregano when rubbed.
Q3. What are the main uses of Nigella Seeds?
They are widely used in baking, curries, pickles, spice blends, condiments, and herbal remedies.
Q4. How does Sterling Exports ensure quality?
We source directly from farmers, follow strict cleaning and grading, and maintain certifications such as BRC, HACCP, Halal, ISO 22000, and Kosher.
Q5. Can I order Nigella Seeds in custom packaging?
Yes, Sterling Exports offers customized packaging from 100g retail packs to 50kg bulk bags, including private-label branding.
We also supply Mix container of Spices, Grains, Oil Seeds and Other Agricultural Commodities as per customer's requirements.
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