Kalonji or nigella seed is known by different names all over the world. In English, it is called samal fennel. Kalonji has multiple names in various Indian languages too. While it is called ell or karun jeeragam in Malayalam, it is known as kalonji in Gujarati, Mogrel in Bengali and kale til in Marathi.

The botanical name for kalonji is Nigella sativa and it comes from an evergreen plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. One of the most valued medicinal seeds, kalonji acts a good flavouring agent in dishes as well. It is a very important component of curry masala and garam masala. The bitter note in the aroma of Indian pickles is because of the presence of Nigella seeds in them. It is used as a flavoring agent in many popular Indian dishes like kadhi, samosa, kachori etc.

Kalonji can be used in different forms like kalonji oil, roasted seeds, raw seeds, etc. Although they taste bitter when eaten raw, when added to dishes, kalonji seeds tend to enhance their flavour. Kalonji has a sharp and slightly bitter flavour and a spicy-sweet aroma. It is available in three colours, that is, yellowish-orange, white and black.

Native to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia, Nigella is cultivated in many countries in the world like the Middle East, Mediterranean region, South Europe, India, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

Kalonji seeds and kalonji oil have been widely used for centuries in the Indian traditional medical systems like Unani and Ayurveda and is also recommended in the Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine). Kalonji is known to be very helpful in reducing cholesterol and it helps in keeping the body fit. Additionally, it acts as a natural remedy for many health problems like reducing high blood pressure, curing heart problems and even skin problems and allergies. 

Some basic facts about Kalonji:

• Botanical name: Nigella Sativa
• Family: Ranunculaceae
• Common name: Black cumin, kalonji, black caraway, Nigella
• Sanskrit name: कृष्णजीरा Krishnajira
• Parts used: The fruits of the Nigella sativa plant contain many seeds which are commonly used as a spice.
• Native region and geographical distribution: Though there is inadequate information about the origin of kalonji, traces of seeds have been found in excavated ancient sites in Egypt and Turkey. The crop is cultivated in Europe, South West Asian countries like India and in North Africa.
• Interesting facts: Renowned Muslim scholar Al Bukhari had glorified kalonji as Habbat Al Barakah that means 'blessed one'. According to him, one of the prophets had termed the black seed as a cure for all conditions except death.

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