Black seeds and black sesame seeds are two types of seeds that are commonly used as ingredients in cooking and natural medicine. Both are tiny, oval-shaped seeds that are black or dark in color. However, there are some key differences between black seeds and black sesame seeds that set them apart.
Origins and Botanical Classification
Black seeds and black sesame seeds come from different plants:
- Black seeds come from the Nigella sativa plant, which is an annual flowering plant native to southwest Asia.
- Black sesame seeds come from the Sesamum indicum plant, which is an annual plant in the Pedaliaceae (sesame family). It is grown for its oil-rich seeds, which are used as a culinary seed and in traditional medicine.
So black seeds and black sesame seeds belong to different botanical families and genera. Here’s a table summarizing their botanical classification:
| Seed | Family | Genus |
|---|---|---|
| Black seeds | Ranunculaceae | Nigella |
| Black sesame seeds | Pedaliaceae | Sesamum |
Appearance and Size
In terms of appearance, black sesame seeds are flatter and thinner compared to black seeds. Black sesame seeds have a more oval shape while black seeds are shaped like tiny rugby balls. Black sesame seeds also generally smaller than black seeds.
On average:
- Black sesame seeds are about 1 to 2 mm long
- Black seeds are slightly larger at 2 to 3 mm long
However, there can be variation in size depending on the cultivar. Here’s a visual comparison of the differences in appearance and size of black seeds and black sesame seeds:
| Black Seeds | Black Sesame Seeds |
|---|---|
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Taste
In terms of taste, black seeds have a slightly bitter, pungent flavor. Black sesame seeds have a more mild, nutty taste. Here’s a simple comparison:
| Black Seeds | Black Sesame Seeds |
|---|---|
| Pungent, bitter | Mild, nutty |
So black seeds and sesame seeds provide different taste profiles when used in cooking or natural remedies.
Nutrition
Both black seeds and black sesame seeds are nutritious, being good sources of certain vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds. However, their precise nutritional profiles differ somewhat:
| Nutrient | Black Seeds | Black Sesame Seeds |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 245 per 100 grams | 573 per 100 grams |
| Fat | 22% | 49% |
| Protein | 21% | 18% |
| Carbs | 24% | 25% |
| Fiber | 8 grams (32% DV) | 12 grams (48% DV) |
| Manganese | 0.5 mg (26% DV) | 1.1 mg (52% DV) |
| Copper | 0.5 mg (25% DV) | 0.7 mg (35% DV) |
| Magnesium | 42 mg (10% DV) | 351 mg (88% DV) |
| Calcium | 963 mg (96% DV) | 97 mg (10% DV) |
| Iron | 11 mg (61% DV) | 14 mg (78% DV) |
| Thiamine | 0.5 mg (42% DV) | 0.8 mg (67% DV) |
As you can see, while both seeds offer important vitamins and minerals, black sesame seeds are particularly high in manganese, copper, magnesium, and calcium. Black seeds stand out more for their protein and fiber content.
Fatty Acid Composition
The fatty acid composition also differs between the two types of seeds:
- Black seeds – rich in unsaturated fatty acids like linoleic acid (omega-6) and oleic acid (omega-9). Also contains some saturated fats.
- Black sesame seeds – rich in unsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid (omega-9) and linoleic acid (omega-6). Also provides smaller amounts of saturated fats.
So while both provide unsaturated fats, black seeds have a more balanced ratio of saturated to unsaturated fats compared to sesame seeds.
Phytochemicals
In terms of beneficial plant compounds:
- Black seeds – Rich in thymoquinone, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Black sesame seeds – Provide compounds like sesamin and sesamolin that have antioxidant properties.
So each seed offers some unique phytochemicals with antioxidant activity that are believed to contribute to their medicinal properties.
Culinary Uses
Black seeds and black sesame seeds are used in cooking in different ways:
- Black seeds – Most often used as a seasoning or sprinkled on baked goods like bread. Also used in some traditional Indian and Middle Eastern dishes.
- Black sesame seeds – Widely used in Asian cuisines, especially in Korean, Chinese, and Japanese cooking. Common in sauces, dressings, noodles, soups, baked goods, etc.
This table summarizes some of the popular ways the two seeds are used:
| Black Seeds | Black Sesame Seeds |
|---|---|
| Sprinkled on naan bread | Sesame oil used for cooking |
| Added to curries | Sprinkled on sushi rolls |
| Used in spice blends | Added to noodle soups |
| Coated on flatbreads | Sesame seeds on hamburger buns |
So black sesame seeds see more widespread use globally, while black seeds are more regionally used in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines.
Traditional Medicine
Both black seeds and black sesame seeds have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems:
- Black seeds – Used for thousands of years in Middle Eastern and South Asian folk medicine. Believed to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects. Used for respiratory health, stomach upset, headaches, skin health, and more.
- Black sesame seeds – Used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. Thought to nourish the kidneys and liver, improve hair growth and color, relieve anxiety and depression symptoms, and treat weakness.
| Black Seeds | Black Sesame Seeds |
|---|---|
| Respiratory health | Kidney support |
| Digestive health | Hair and skin health |
| Rheumatism | Anxiety and depression |
| Headaches | Bone health |
So while both seeds are used in folk medicine, their traditional uses differ based on the conditions they are believed to help treat.
Modern Research
In recent decades, black seeds and black sesame seeds have been gaining more interest in the scientific community. Some findings on their potential health benefits include:
- Black seeds – Studies show black seed oil may help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar in people with diabetes. Compounds may also help asthma patients and possess anti-cancer effects. More research is still needed.
- Black sesame seeds – Early research suggests sesame seeds may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Sesamin may also have anti-inflammatory properties. But overall more human studies are needed.
While both seeds show promise in initial research, there’s still minimal evidence from quality clinical trials. High-quality human studies are still needed to confirm many of the traditional and preliminary uses.
Cost
Black sesame seeds tend to be more expensive than black seeds. Here’s a comparison of costs for each (prices may vary by brand and region):
| Seed | Average Price (US) |
|---|---|
| Black seeds | $6 to $8 per ounce |
| Black sesame seeds | $7 to $12 per ounce |
The higher cost of black sesame seeds reflects the labor-intensive process of harvesting the tiny seeds. Sesame seeds must be carefully harvested when the pods ripen and then cleaned meticulously to ensure purity.
Availability
Black sesame seeds are easier to find and available at most major grocery stores. Black seeds may be harder to source and primarily found at specialty Middle Eastern grocers, herbal shops, and online retailers.
| Seed | Availability |
|---|---|
| Black seeds | Limited – Primarily found at ethnic grocers or online |
| Black sesame seeds | Widely available – Sold at most grocery stores |
Storage
To maintain freshness and prevent rancidity, both black seeds and black sesame seeds are best stored in air-tight containers in a cool, dry, dark place. Seeds can be kept this way for up to 3-6 months. The refrigerator can help extend shelf life slightly longer to about 1 year maximum.
Conclusion
In summary, while black seeds and black sesame seeds may look similar at first glance, they have distinct differences when it comes to their plant sources, size, nutrition, culinary uses, medicinal properties, cost, and more. Black seeds have a more bitter flavor while black sesame seeds taste mildly nutty. Black sesame seeds see wider use globally in cooking, while black seeds are more regional. Both continue to be studied for their health benefits. So in choosing between the two, consider the flavor profile you want and how you plan to use them.