Description

Scientific name: Nigella Sativa

Shahijeera is known in India as a royal cumin due to it robust cumin aroma and flavour. In the western world it is known as caraway seed. Caraway or Shahijeera of commerce is the fruit of a biennial herb known botanically as Carum carvi, Linn. It grows wild in India in the North Himalayan regions. The caraway seeds are brown in color, have a pleasant odor, aromatic flavor, warm and somewhat sharp taste (because of the presence of caravone). Seeds are hard and sharp in touch. Seeds can be used as whole or as in powder form. Caraway is widely used as a spice for culinary purposes and for flavoring bread, biscuits, cake. It is also used as an ingredient of sausage seasoning and pickling spice. It is mild stomachic and carminative, occasionally used in flatulence colic and as a adjuvant or currective for medicines.