The seed of the nigella sativa plant is known in Portugal as black sesame, although it has nothing to do with sesame. It is also known as black cumin and is also not related to this other spice. It is also known as nigella seed and by several other names. The attribution of such diverse names to this seed comes from its relatively recent use in Western cuisine. However, in Turkey it is widely used, mainly to sprinkle pastries and bread.
It is the seed of a plant native to southwest Asia, whose scientific name is nigella sativa. This plant reaches 20 to 30 centimeters in height and has delicate flowers, generally light blue and white with five to ten petals. The fruit has the shape of a globular capsule made up of three to seven joined follicles that each contain numerous seeds.
It is thought that the Romans already used these seeds in cooking, which is why they are also known in English as roman coriander (Roman coriander).
They are believed to have vermifuge and carminative properties and contribute to the health of the stomach, intestine, kidneys, liver, lungs, immune system and general well-being. An Arabic proverb even says that this seed is the medicine for everything except death.
