Nigella Seed
Also Know as Fennel flower, Onion seed, Gith and falsely as Black Cumin or Black Caraway. Nigella is part of the buttercup
family. This little seed is reputed to have been grown commercially for almost
2000 years. Rich in fatty oils especially unsaturated fatty acids, mainly
linoleic acid (50 – 60%), oleic acid (20%). Saturated fatty acids (palmitic,
stearic acid) amount to about 30% or less. There are many and varied claims for
the medicinal properties of Nigella Seed from soothing an upset stomach and as a
treatment for scorpion stings, to being used as an insect repellent for cloths.
Originating in Western Asia it is taken by Rose Finches, Cinnamon and Tree
Sparrows, Munia and Redpolls naturally but is taken generally by all other
finches.
