Black cumin is one of the exotic species in private kitchen gardens, but can be grown there without any problems. But be careful: the weeds are rampant!
In addition to the well-known types of fruit and vegetables, such as cherries, plums, carrots or lettuce in all variations, hobby gardeners are increasingly planting herbs in their kitchen gardens. One reason for this is certainly the cooking programs that are currently booming on TV, which have made seasoning with herbs popular again. But the attitude towards nutrition has also changed, today people eat more consciously, often even vegetarian or vegan.
The real black cumin (Nigella sativa), called black cumin for short, comes from the oriental region. The plant has been used there for over 2000 years as a medicinal and spice plant. The fact that black cumin, Nigella sativa in Latin, is now known worldwide is probably also due to a saying of Mohammed: "Black cumin heals every disease - but does not help against death". In addition to the taste, it is above all the far-reaching he alth effects of black cumin that make the plant so popular. In addition to the pure seeds, the plant is also used as an oil or tea. Asthma, digestive problems, high blood pressure and many other diseases are said to be alleviated. The comprehensive guide on schwarzkummeloel360.net shows all facets of the universal remedy.
General information about black cumin
Black cumin is an annual plant that belongs to the buttercup family. It has white and blue flowers and is between 30 and 60 cm high. The leaves are pinnate (arranged in two rows along the leaf spindle) and the stem can be multiply branched. The valuable seed is in the capsules, which looks very similar to the poppy. These seed coats arise from the star-shaped flowers. Even if the name suggests it, black cumin has nothing in common with caraway or cumin, neither in appearance nor in taste. The taste is more reminiscent of sesame.
Attention when buying black cumin seeds
You can getBlack cumin seeds in the garden center or hardware store, but you should take a very close look here. The "Jungfer im Grünen" (Nigella damascena), also an annual garden plant from the familyof the buttercup family, looks very similar to black cumin.
Black cumin cultivation: soil conditions
Now hobby gardeners will rejoice, because the black cumin does not make any great demands on the soil. Since it is a wild plant, the soil does not have to be pre-fertilized, but waterlogging should be avoided. A humus rich garden soil is ideal. Also read: Soil improvement measures on native-plants.de.
When and how does the sowing take place?
Black cumin is sown in spring, more precisely from March to April, but no later than May. It is important to remember that black cumin is a wild herb and will multiply accordingly. To prevent the weed from spreading throughout the garden and beyond, choose a spot where you can contain the growth well.
All sowing instructions at a glance
- Sowing: March - May
- Planting location: sunny
- Soil when sowing: loose, do not fertilize
- Seed depth: 1 - 2 cm
- Planting distance: 25 cm
- Row spacing: 30 cm
- Germination period: 2 - 3 weeks
- Watering: moderate
- Growth: 30 - 60 cm (depending on variety)
- Flowering period: June - July
- Harvest time: September
Harvest black cumin
You can tell whether the plant is ready for harvest by the fact that it slowly dies from below and the fruit capsules turn brown. To test, simply open a capsule. The ripe black cumin seeds are drop-shaped, have a matt black color and an anise-like scent. Spread out on a cloth to dry.
Use of Black Seed
As mentioned above, black cumin is particularly well known as a medicinal plant. The oil obtained from it can be used externally, for example for skin problems. However, it is used more frequently in the kitchen, as it is said to have many he alth-promoting effects. Black cumin is said to help burn fat, lower cholesterol and much more.
The taste of the seed itself is reminiscent of sesame and therefore tastes delicious on bread, with cheese, in a salad and mixed with quark. Black cumin is best known from various Turkish snack bars, where you can find the exotic on flatbread.