Black Caraway, Black Cumin
Bunium persicum

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

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.

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: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Gentle exposed mountain slopes in C. Asia. Dry scrubby slopes in the Himalayas.

South-eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Siberia and Western Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Root - raw or cooked. Tastes like sweet chestnuts. Seed - used as a flavouring, a cumin substitute.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

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.

Propagating it: 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.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Carum bulbocastanum. Clarke.