Kalongi (Nigella Seed) Overview
- Kalonji is also known as Nigella Sativa, Kalonji, or Kalojeera. It is a plant of flowering in the family of Ranunculaceae. In the eastern Mediterranean is its native region.
- Various other native regions of Kalonji is West Asia, the Northern part of Africa, and the subcontinent of India as well.
- The length in which it grows is by 20-30 cm, and later, it is divided in a fine manner in linear leaves.
- The flowers of Kalonji are delicate to touch, and their color is white and pale blue.
- Their petals range from five to ten.
- The fruits are large, and their capsules are inflated, and their follicles are connected in the amount of three to seven.
- An approximate amount of seeds contained in it are used for the purpose of spices. It is also used as a replacement for black cumin.
Culinary Uses
- The seeds of Kalonji are used as spices in the cuisines of the Middle East and India. Not only that, but they are also used in the cuisines of Poland.
- These Kalonji seeds are grounded to make a paste of qizha in Palestine.
Foods
- Kalonji is often used to season salads, vegetables, and curries as well.
- In various parts of the world, the seeds of Kalonji are used for flavoring the products of bread.
- And are used as a part of the mixture for spices and also in various recipes in the cuisines of Bangladesh.
- They are also recognizable in naan.
- Not only that, but black seeds are also used in the string cheese of America that is known as Majdouleh. In the Middle East, it is known as majdouli.
Taste and Smell
- The taste of black seeds is like oregano, onions, and black pepper combined. Their smell is like butter and pungent as well.
Kalonji Seeds for hair
- Kalonji seeds are often mixed with oil, and they are used by people all over the world, especially in the Indian subcontinent.
- They are massaged to one’s scalp as a means of promoting hair growth or for contributing to calmness. Kalonji oil is also good in releasing tension.
Pros
- Kalonji seeds are effective in fighting off acne
- Kalonji seeds help in keeping diabetes in check.
- Kalonji seeds help in increasing the memory of an individual and also alleviates asthma.
- They help in getting rid of headaches.
- Kalonji seeds are extremely beneficial in weight loss.
- They ease the pain in the joints of an individual.
- The seeds of Kalonji are very important in controlling blood pressure.
- Kalonji protects the kidney.
- They are very beneficial in making the teeth of an individual robust.
- Kalonji seeds are very effective in strengthening the immunity of an individual.
Cons
- It should not be consumed by those who underwent any kind of surgery or are planning to do so.
Conclusion
The seeds of Kalonji can be consumed on a daily basis as well because they have a lot of health benefits.