Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa)

We always have Black Seed Oil in our medicine cabinet. It is highly esteemed in the religion of Islam as a remedy too. The seeds are used on bread in the middle east and I have already had full seeds in meatballs. Must have been Greece or Turkey. 

But I don't know of any further usage, especially the powder does not seem to be used as a spice at all. And surely not an item in many households or shelves in the States back then. I cannot imagine it would add anything but bitterness to be honest. So I would rule it out completely. 

Black Cumin is also often called Black Caraway.

What Does It Taste Like?
Nigella seeds have a strong aroma and a flavor profile that has notes of onion, oregano, and black pepper. The perception of these flavors can differ from person to person, and some may taste a slightly nutty flavor as well.

Substitutions
Celery seed, cumin seed, poppy seed, black sesame seed, caraway seed, and fennel seed will all stand in adequately for nigella seed. Some, like celery seed and cumin, will impart some of the herbaceous nature of the nigella seed but not its color, while others, like poppy seeds and black sesame seeds, will provide the black color while imparting a different but still enjoyable flavor.

Another substitute is fresh or dried oregano. While not a seed, this herb will provide a similar flavor note to that of nigella seed. Likewise, onion powder will also provide some of the flavor of nigella seed, but not its essential seedness.