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Summary
Black cumin seeds Bunium persicum are a similar shape to the familiar cumin, yet their color is darker brown. When crushed they are highly aromatic, almost piney and less earthy. The flavor is similarly pine-like, astringent, and bitter. Black cumin is not to be confused with nigella (kolonji), which is often called black cumin seed.
Physical Characteristics
Bunium persicum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Carum bulbocastanum. Clarke.
Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses: Condiment
Root - raw or cooked[74]. Tastes like sweet chestnuts. Seed - used as a flavouring[145], a cumin substitute.
References
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
References
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Other Uses
References
Cultivation details
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. It is likely to prefer a well-drained light to medium soil in sun or light shade.
References
Temperature Converter
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Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(Boiss.)B.Fedtsch.
Botanical References
74
Links / References
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