Nigella seeds (or benedict, kolongi, etc.)are from a beautiful blue flower, Nigella Sativa, a plant from the Ranunculaceae family. This flower grows naturally in Asia and in the Middle-East. Nigella seeds have been used for centuries as a spice and it is known for its medicinal properties. Nigella seeds are mostly used in the making of bread and pastries.
Mahalab (mahlab, mahleb)comes from the tree Prunus mahaleb, a cherry tree. It has been used as a spice and as a medicinal plant for centuries. Mahalab has a light bitter taste and is mostly used in pastries.
Nabulsi was originaly made in the city of Nablus (or Nabulus, Nabuls), in CisJordania, Palestine. This city counts over 200 000 residents and it is located 50 km north of Jerusalem. Nablus is one of the oldest cities of the world. Nabulsi was originaly made with sheep milk, but with the increasing demand for this cheese, cow milk is now also used. This cheese can be eaten fresh, grilled, fried in oil or it can be used in the preparation of desserts such as Knafe, a traditional dessert from Jordania. Nabulsi can be de-salted by soaking it in cold water until the salt content has reached the desired level.
