Aromatic with a peppery bite, black caraway seeds are enjoyed as a spice in Egyptian, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines and is often used in spice blends, breads, and vegetable dishes.

Middle Easterners refer to black caraway seeds as “the blessed seed” because of its healing properties. Studies show that the spice may strengthen and stimulate the immune system and act as an anti-histamine, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Some recent studies even point to its ability to prevent some toxic side effects of cancer treatments and slow cancer growth.

King Tutankhamen’s tomb contained black caraway oil, of paramount importance to the ancient Egyptians. Both Hippocrates and the Greek physician Dioskorides recommended black caraway extensively as a remedy, and it was also reputedly used by Cleopatra. It can be found in the Old Testament, where it’s called “black seed.” And the Prophet Muhammad underlined its therapeutic qualities, stating, “Hold on to use of the black seed, for it has a remedy for every illness except death.”

Other common names for these seeds are Nigella seeds, Nigella sativa, charnushka seeds, fennel flower, nutmeg flower, black-cumin, kalonji, and Roman coriander.