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Questions and Answers: 2018

Question: Is Nigella Sativa different than Onion seeds? There is a whole lot of confusion as nigella seeds are called as …

  • Question

    Is Nigella Sativa different than Onion seeds? There is a whole lot of confusion as nigella seeds are called as black onion seeds sometimes in some stores. But i read that they both belong to a completely different family. Please clarify Thank you

    Answer

    Dear Rash108, Nigella sativa belongs to the crowfoot family (Ranunculaceae). It is a dicot plant with very different flowers and chemistry. Onions belong to the genus Allium, in the onion family (Alliaceae). These are monocots. They are different groups of plants that are confused because of the common names. I hope this is helpful.