Can anyone identify this herb for me please?

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Blueroses, Jul 1, 2017.

  1. Blueroses

    Blueroses Gardener

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    I sowed a packet of mixed herbs and although I recognise most of them, this one baffles me. Can anyone help please?
     

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  2. Scrungee

    Scrungee Well known for it

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      Last edited: Jul 1, 2017
    • Phil A

      Phil A Guest

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    • Blueroses

      Blueroses Gardener

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      Thank you both


      It doesn't smell of very much at all to be honest. I think I would recognize coriander though as I grow a lot of that. Thank you though
       
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      • Phil A

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        Pleasure :)

        If it don't smell, it might be something like self seeded Nigella then, best not eat it :)
         
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        • shiney

          shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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          Certainly looks like Nigella to me. It's likely to have a blue flower (very pretty) although it does come in white and pink.

          It's generally grown for its pretty flowers but the seeds are edible. There are mainly two types, Nigella damascena and Nigella sativa (which is the one you would normally buy as the seed for eating).
           
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          • Blueroses

            Blueroses Gardener

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            Thank you. Would you have expected it to be included in mixed herb seeds ? It's not self set as it has all come up in the places I sowed it
             
          • shiney

            shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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            I don't really know as I don't buy herb seeds but I wouldn't have thought so. :scratch:

            I have used the Nigella sativa in cooking Indian food. They refer to it as Kalonji. You sometimes see the seeds in Nan bread but it's used in cooking curries as well. It's normal to dry roast them first. Just toss them around, very briefly, in a heavy bottomed frying pan to release the aromatic oils. Similar to dry roasting cumin seeds.
             
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            • Blueroses

              Blueroses Gardener

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              Ok thank you for your helpful information
               
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