As many parents can understand, a healthy and nutritious diet is important for children to keep them fueled throughout the day and as they grow. However, getting your kids to eat their greens and other nutrient-dense foods isn’t always an easy feat and often requires some creative thinking and execution come mealtime.

This is why I wanted to share with you a secret superfood ingredient that’s always in my pantry and often makes it into my family-friendly recipes and dishes – the humble little black seed (commonly known as Nigella seed)!

Rich in active ingredient thymoquinone (TQ) which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, black seed has been proven to support general health and wellbeing in addition to assisting in boosting immunity. Studied and used by communities around the world for thousands of years, the power of black seed cannot be overstated, and the research backs it up!

As a recipe developer, I like to add black seed to curries, stews, soups, breads, pastries and certain desserts to add that extra flavour kick and immunity boost! It’s often compared to cumin seed, onion and oregano but with a nuttier flavour. It’s also mostly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines; however, there is also plenty of room to experiment with this little seed.

In partnership with leading black seed supplements manufacturer, Hab Shifa, I have created a series of unique recipes using black seed that I think the whole family will love (even picky eaters). Among which is my new go-to summer sweet! Recipe below:

Orange Cardamom Spiced Sorbet

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 1 cup coconut sugar
• ½ cup Hab Shifa Manuka Honey with Black Seed
• 2 tbsp fresh orange zest
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 cardamom pods
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 bayleaf
• 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
• 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Method

1. Combine water, coconut sugar, honey, orange zest, grated ginger, cardamom, cloves and bay leaf  in a heavy, large saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Boil until syrup is thick and mixture is reduced to about two cups for around 10-12 minutes, then discard bay leaf and let the syrup cool.
3. Strain syrup into a medium bowl. Add the orange juice and lemon juice then transfer to the ice cream maker and process.
4. Transfer sorbet to container, cover, and freeze until firm for at least six hours before serving.

Latest in supplements!

Hab Shifa has also just launched its new children’s supplement product ImmuneQ Jr. Designed specifically for children aged four to 13, ImmuneQ Jr includes Hab Shifa’s proprietary blend of therapeutically active ingredients like black seed oil (Nigella sativa oil), zinc and vitamin c in a chewable tablet to support a child’s immune system functions and aid in the treatment of common cold and flu symptoms.

According to Hab Shifa founder, Azam Kassim, “black seed has a robust flavour that is slightly bitter and spicy; because of this, it can be hard to get children to try black seed – be it in oil or tablet form. We developed ImmuneQ Jr to solve this problem. It comes in the form of a tasty, kid-approved, orange-flavoured chewable tablet that is simple to take, reducing any trouble parents may have convincing their kids to take their vitamins regularly.”

Aside from black seed, other key ingredients in ImmuneQ Jr include zinc, which is proven to help support a healthy immune system and promote bone development, and vitamin c, a powerful antioxidant that helps improve overall health while protecting gums, bones, and blood vessels, and assisting in the healing process from cuts and abrasions.

ImmuneQ Jr retails for $19.95 for 60 tablets and is available direct through the Hab Shifa website, in Go Vita stores nationally, and independent pharmacy chains and health food stores across Australia.

For more information about Hab Shifa products, black seed recipe ideas, or to shop the range, visit: www.habshifa.com.au

About Faye James:
Faye James is an accredited nutritionist, Hab Shifa ambassador, member of Nutrition Council Australia, recipe developer and the author of cookbooks The 10:10 Diet and The Long Life Plan. A food, beauty and health journalist with over 20 years of experience, you can follow her on Instagram for Black Seed recipes and food inspiration — @fayecelinejames.