Nigella seeds, popularly known as Kalaunji Seeds, are small, matte-black grains with a rough surface and an oily white interior. The seeds are frequently refered to as black cumin. They are seeds of a plant Nigella Sativa, of the buttercup family and are often confused with Onion seeds and Black Sesame Seeds.

This seed is used to flavor breads and pastries; it is a well known ingredient in English seed cake and is used in other desserts as well.In India it is cultivated in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh