Niger Seed / रामतिल / Ramtil / Guizotia Abyssinica

Niger Seed / रामतिल / Ramtil / Guizotia Abyssinica

Native to Ethiopia and Malawi, niger seeds are also grown in India Niger seeds resemble sunflower seeds in shape, but are smaller in size and black. It bears a fairly thick, adherent seed coat and can be stored for up to a year without deterioration. Niger seed contains proteins, oil and soluble sugars. Niger seeds are used as bird feed worldwide. Commercial niger seed is grown in Africa, India and other areas of southeast Asia, and the seed is imported around the world as a popular type of birdseed. Before it is imported, however, niger seed is sterilized by intense heat to prevent germination of any additional seeds that may be part of the mix. Treated niger seed may germinate but would typically be stunted, limiting its spread and offering less of a threat to native plants

Common names include noog/nug; niger, nyger, nyjer, or niger seed; ramtil or ramtilla; inga seed; and blackseed