Kala Zeera
Common Name: Kala Zeera, Black Caraway, Hill Cumin
Botanical Name
Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch.
Family
Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Commercial Part
- Seed (dried ripe fruit)
Description
Kala Zeera is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows naturally in high-altitude temperate regions.
- Plant grows to about 60–90 cm in height.
- Leaves are finely dissected and feathery.
- Flowers are small, white or pale pink, borne in compound umbels.
- The fruit (seed) is small, narrow, dark brown to black, and curved with fine ridges.
- The seeds are aromatic, with a warm, earthy, slightly pungent flavour.
Climatic Requirements for Cultivation
- Climate: Requires cool, temperate climate, grows well at high altitudes
- Altitude: Grown at 1800–3000 meters above sea level
- Temperature: Needs cold winters for dormancy and seed germination
- Rainfall: Moderate rainfall, well-drained soil is essential
- Soil: Prefers sandy loam to loam, rich in organic matter, with good drainage
Origin and Distribution
- Native to the temperate Himalayan region
- Naturally found in Afghanistan, Iran, Central Asia, and the north-western Himalayas
- In India, it grows wild and is also cultivated in parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand
Major Growing Areas in India
- Jammu & Kashmir – Especially in districts like Kupwara, Baramulla, and Poonch
- Himachal Pradesh – Higher altitude areas
- Uttarakhand – Select hill regions
Popular Varieties
- Local hill varieties dominate as no standardized cultivars are widely released
- Selection and breeding programs are ongoing to improve yield and seed uniformity
Uses
Culinary:
- Used as a premium spice in Kashmiri cuisine, especially in rice dishes, kebabs, and curries
- Used to flavour breads, pickles, and spice blends
- Known for its strong, earthy aroma and pleasant bitter taste
Medicinal:
- Traditionally used as a digestive aid, carminative, and appetizer
- Helps relieve indigestion, flatulence, and nausea
- Used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders
- Considered cooling and detoxifying
Indian Names of Kala Zeera
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| Hindi | Kala Zeera |
| Kashmiri | Shahi Zeer |
| Urdu | Kala Zeera |
| Punjabi | Kala Zeera |
| Sanskrit | Krishna Jiraka |
| Tamil | Karunjeeragam |
| Malayalam | Karinjeerakam |
| Telugu | Nalla Jeelakarra |
Foreign Names of Kala Zeera
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Black Caraway, Hill Cumin |
| Arabic | Al-Zira As-Sawda |
| Persian | Zireh-e-Siyah |
| German | Schwarzer Kümmel |
| French | Carvi noir |
| Turkish | Siyah kimyon |