What is the Difference Between Black Seed and Onion Seed

The main difference between black seed and onion seed is that onion seeds are somewhat flatter than black seeds.

There is a lot of confusion about black sees and onion seeds as they look somewhat similar. In fact, most shops and sellers mislabel black seeds as onion seeds. Therefore, it’s very important to know that black seeds and onion seeds are two distinct types of seeds. Black seeds are the seeds of Nigella sativa, while onion seeds are the seeds of onion plants.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Black Seed
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Onion Seed
     – Definition, Features
3. Relationship Between Black Seed and Onion Seed
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Black Seed and Onion Seed
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Black Seeds, Black Caraway, Fennel Flower, Kalonji, Onion Seeds,

What is Black Seed

Black seeds are actually Nigella sativa. This is black seeds’ scientific name. They are also known by different names, including black caraway, fennel flower, black cumin, and kalonji. There is a lot of confusion about black seeds due to these differences in names. Black seeds are about the size of caraway seeds. We can use them as a spice, natural flavouring or seasoning. They have a bitter taste, like a mixture of onions, black pepper, and oregano. In addition to that, they have a pungent smell.

Nigella sativa is an annual flowering plant belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. It is native to parts of Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. This plant grows nearly three feet and has wispy foliage, small delicate, pale flowers, and capsule-like fruit filled with seeds.

Black Cumin Seed

Moreover, black seeds have been used for centuries to treat various types of diseases. They contain numerous active ingredients, including the powerful compound thymoquinone. Thymoquinone helps to reduce inflammation, protect against cancer, and improve the immune system.

What is Onion Seed

Onion seeds are simply seeds that grow onions. Many varieties of onions produce black coloured seeds.  However, onion seeds are often confused with black seeds. In fact, many websites, even shopping sites, label black seeds as black onion seeds.  Black seeds and onion seeds are similar in appearance, but they are not identical. Up close, you’ll notice that these seeds are flatter and papery when compared to black seeds. In fact, they somewhat resemble the seeds of bell pepper (apart from the colour).

Green Onion Seed

The best way for you to identify black seeds and onion seeds is their shape. Onion seeds are flatter than black seeds. They will look as if they have been dehydrated, i.e., as if their insides have been sucked out. If we look at their difference in flavour, onions seeds, of course, will give an oniony flavour.

Relationship Between Black Seed and Onion Seed

Black seeds and onion seeds are both black in colour and have a similar appearance. This is why most shops and sellers mislabel black seeds as black onion seeds. Although these are two distinct types of seeds, most assume them to be the same.

Difference Between Black Seed and Onion Seed

Definition

Black seeds are the seeds of Nigella sativa, while onion seeds are the seeds of onion plants.

Shape

Onion seeds are somewhat flatter than black seeds.

Taste

Black seeds have a cumin flavour, while onion seeds have an oniony taste.

Conclusion

Black seeds are the seeds of Nigella sativa, while onion seeds are the seeds of onion plants. The main difference between black seed and onion seed is that onion seeds are somewhat flatter than black seeds.

Reference:

1. “What EXACTLY Is Black Seed?” Pure Indian Foods Blog, 25 Aug. 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Black cumin seed” By Mountainhills – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “4689919” (CC0) via Pixabay

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