Table Indienne
Himalayan Black Cumin (Kala Jeera)
Discover our Himalayan black cumin (kala jeera), small slender striped seeds harvested in the valleys of Uttarakhand, India. Smoky, woody and subtly sweet aroma to enhance your biryanis, pilaf rice and Mughlai dishes.
Ready for shipping, delivery time 2-5 business days
Delivery from €3.99 at Mondial Relay pickup points. Free shipping from €45.
Free spice samples with every order.
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Himalayan black cumin: the royal spice of the Mughals
Kala jeera (Bunium persicum), also known as shahi jeera or "royal cumin", is a small slender dark-brown seed harvested in the Himalayan valleys of Uttarakhand. Not to be confused with nigella (Nigella sativa) or ordinary cumin (Cuminum cyminum): it is a distinct botanical species, far rarer and more prized, long reserved for Mughal court cuisine. We source it from Gauraaj, a Dehradun-based organisation founded by women from Uttarakhand to bring value to small mountain farms.
Why choose whole seeds?
Whole kala jeera seeds keep their essential oils far longer than a powder, preserving their distinctive smoky, woody scent. A light dry-roasting before use is enough to wake up their full aroma, more subtle and complex than ordinary cumin, with a sweet, lemony edge.
Culinary uses:
- Essential in biryani, where it perfumes basmati rice with woody notes
- Enhances pilaf and pulao rice by simple infusion in hot ghee
- Seasons Mughlai meat dishes (kormas, kebabs, slow-cooked game)
- Adds a smoky depth to simmered dals and lentils
- Enriches a premium garam masala alongside cardamom and cinnamon
- Best lightly dry-roasted before use to unlock its full aroma
Origin and quality:
Our kala jeera comes from the valleys of Uttarakhand, in the Indian Himalayas, via Gauraaj, a Dehradun-based organisation founded by women to bring value to small mountain farms. Our growers grow without pesticides, so we can guarantee you a natural, authentic seed.
Storage:
To preserve all its aromas, store your Himalayan black cumin in a dry place, away from light and humidity, in its airtight packaging.
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Improves digestion
Rich in antioxidants
Anti-inflammatory properties
Boosts immunity
Supports healthy blood circulation
Helps regulate blood sugar
Traditional antimicrobial properties
Supports respiratory health
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Directly selected smallholder producers No Pesticides free Yes Origin Uttarakhand, India Quality Premium Type Whole seeds Taste profile Smoky, woody and subtly sweet aroma, more complex than ordinary cumin. Releases its full fragrance after light dry-roasting. Possible traces of allergens No major allergen identified; may contain traces of other seed spices packaged in the same facility.
Pourquoi choisir Himalayan Black Cumin (Kala Jeera) de La Table Indienne ?
Fraîcheur et qualité exceptionnelles
Nos épices sont importées directement d'Inde et conditionnées à la demande pour garantir une fraîcheur optimale. Contrairement aux épices vendues en grande surface qui peuvent rester des mois sur les étagères, nous veillons à ce que chaque épice conserve toute sa saveur et son arôme.
Authenticité et traçabilité
Chaque épice provient de régions spécifiques en Inde réputées pour leur savoir-faire. Nous travaillons directement avec des producteurs locaux qui cultivent leurs épices de manière traditionnelle, sans pesticides ni produits chimiques.
Comment bien utiliser cette épice ?
Pour révéler tous les arômes, nous recommandons de faire légèrement griller les épices entières à sec dans une poêle avant de les moudre. Conservez-les dans un endroit sec et à l'abri de la lumière pour préserver leur fraîcheur le plus longtemps possible.
Le saviez-vous ?
Les épices entières sont bien meilleures que les épices moulues
Consultez notre article de blog pour découvrir pourquoi les épices entières conservent mieux leurs arômes.
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Himalayan Black Cumin (Kala Jeera)
