This is interesting as in some oriental/Asian cooking they talk about nigella seed but then I was told it was also onion seed. I'd be interested in hearing what others think.

Its the Nigella Setiva which is used in cooking. They grow in India and surrounding countries. They are also called black cumin and are supposed to have all sorts of medicinal properties from anti bacterial to asthma treatments.

Thanks Cammomile. I'll search some more. Don't suppose you could confirm that is the Nigella I have from a photo I've just added. (Couldn't work out how to add the pic. to this comment I'm afraid, it's in my photos). Sophie.

Your pic is of Nigella Damascena so don't eat the seeds!

Thanks for that. Might survive to garden another year now. :-)