How does black cumin tea taste compared with familiar herbal teas? — Black cumin seeds 50g LekraSET (Nigella sativa)

Most popular herbal teas — mint, chamomile, lime blossom — make a mild, neutral or slightly sweet infusion. Black cumin stands apart: its taste is warm and astringent, with a distinct spicy and slightly bitter note. The aroma is rich and reminiscent of a blend of caraway, oregano and black pepper — typical of oriental cooking.

That is why the drink comes across not as a neutral background infusion but as a flavour experience in its own right. People used to delicate herbal teas may find it unusually intense the first time they try it. This is normal — the taste of black cumin takes a little getting used to.

If you want to soften its sharpness, you can add honey or brew the seeds together with a little ginger or cinnamon — such combinations are traditionally used in Middle Eastern and Asian cooking and complement the spicy profile of nigella well.

If you already like cardamom, cumin or spiced oriental teas, you will most likely find the taste of LEKRASET familiar and pleasant from the very first cup.