Black seed (Nigella sativa) is a herbaceous annual plant. It grows up to approx. 40 cm in height, has pinnate leaves, white or slightly bluish flowers and decorative bellows containing valuable seeds. It occurs naturally in Europe and Western Asia. It should not be confused with Damascus or field black cumin. It is valued for its use in cooking and medicine. See whatblack cumin cultivation looks likein the garden, and whatblack cumin can be usedin cooking and medicine.
Black cumin
Black cumin - cultivation
Black cumin can be grownas a herbal raw material and for ornamental purposes, as a bedding plant, and as a cut flower for bouquets and bouquets.
Our country has suitable climatic conditions for the cultivation of black cumin. The best position is a sunny place with a southern exhibition.Black cumin is best grown in fertile soil , moderately firm and rich in calcium. Avoid acidic, flooded, waterlogged or very sandy and too dry soils.
Black seed cultivation begins in spring- seeds are sown directly into the ground in April. Keep the spacing of approx. 15 cm in the row and 30-40 cm between the rows, and press the seeds to a depth of approx. 1.5 cm. The first emergence occurs after about 2 weeks after sowing the seeds. Black cumin cultivation should be weeded regularly, especially in the initial growth period, as it grows much slower than weeds and can easily be drowned out by them.
The plant does not require intensive irrigation as it tolerates drought well and feels even better in dry or only moderately moist soils. Frequent rainfall can even harm it. However, you need to regularlyfertilize black cuminusing fertilizer for flowering plants or natural biohumus.
Black cumin seeds are harvested at full maturity , which is in mid-August. This is when most of the fruit starts to turn brown and the stems turn yellow. The whole plants should then be torn out, tied into small bundles and left for about 2-3 days in a light, dry and airy place to dry. If it is dry and warm, we can leave the sheaves directly in the place of cultivation. Finally, black, velvety seeds are obtained from the plants.
Black cumin - use in the kitchen
The use of black cuminis very wide both in the kitchen and in medicine. As already mentioned, the main raw material obtained from the cultivation of black cumin is its seeds.They contain large amounts of various active substances that have a positive effect on our he alth as well as improve the taste of many dishes.
Black cumin seeds are quite spicy in flavor , reminiscent of pepper. They also have a spicy scent. Some people find they also have a bit of coffee seed aftertaste.
Black cumin in the kitchen isprimarily used in delicate meat dishes such as lamb or poultry. The seeds are an excellent ingredient for all kinds of salads, pickles and cottage cheese. Black cumin is also used in baking bread and rolls.
Good to know!To enhance the distinctive flavor of black cumin seeds, gently roast them in a dry frying pan, but be careful not to burn them!
Black cumin - application in medicine
Black cumin seeds are also used in medicine Already the ancient Egyptians valued this plant. They used its seeds for almost all diseases. Until now, a lot of scientific research has been done to confirm theuse of black cumin in the treatment of diseasesThe healing properties of black cumin are mainly related to the essential oils and a compound called thymoquinone, contained in black cumin seeds.
Thanks to this, we now know thatthe use of black cumin brings very good effects in the fight against diabetes(it lowers glucose levels and increases insulin secretion). Black cumin seeds also reduce arterial hypertension and help reduce the symptoms of asthma. The use of black cumin relieves depression (the substances in the seeds act on the central nervous system). It is also worth usingblack cumin in the fight against colds , because it soothes cough, reduces runny nose and facilitates the expectoration of secretions in the throat.
Typically black cumin seeds are taken in the form of crushed seeds up to half or one teaspoon 2 times a day or as an infusion 1-2 times a day. The seeds are also used to makeblack cumin oil .
Katarzyna Marcinkowska
