Home · Herb knowledge · Black cumin
One shop word, more than one plantBlack cumin is not a species.
Black cumin is an English phrase for more than one seed. Indian karunjeeragam is Nigella sativa, a buttercup. Some packets mean Elwendia persica, the Himalayan umbellifer older books call Bunium persicum. This page will not pick a winner.
Choose the botanical page
- Karunjeeragam · Nigella sativa
Nigella sativa — karunjeeragam / kalonji, a matte black angular seed.
- Seeragam · Cuminum cyminum
Cuminum cyminum — ordinary cumin (seeragam). Not black, and a different family.
- Shahi jeera · Elwendia persica
Elwendia persica — shahi jeera / black caraway, a thin curved Himalayan umbellifer seed.
This word names more than one plant, so check the botanical name before you buy or use it. If the plant you meant is not listed, we have not written it yet. Educational only. Not medical advice and not a shop.