Nigella

Origin: Syria, India (17g)
Nigella is a member of the buttercup family and its tiny black seeds are found in the head similar to a poppy head.  Nigella is also known as black cumin and is sometimes called black onion seeds which although are similar, are not the same.    The seeds have a slightly bitter taste and a sharp, peppery aroma; their taste is also onion-like and has some of the pungency of onion.  The seeds can be used whole, roasted or ground and similar to poppy or sesame seeds can be used to decorate bread, rolls, biscuits or cakes.   Nigella is also used in vegetable dishes and vegetarian cooking.