characteristics of oil Fatty acid composition of niger seed oil Culinary and medicinal uses Niger seeds are used for human consumption in the southern parts of India. In Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, niger seeds (called valisalu/valasulu in Telugu, uchellu/gurellu in Kannada, and karale in Marathi) are used to make a dry chutney, which is used as an accompaniment with breads such as chapati. They are also used as a spice in some curries. In Ethiopia, an infusion made from roasted and ground niger seeds, sugar and water is used in treating common colds. Other uses A paste or gruel made from slightly roasted and ground niger seed, mixed with roasted and ground flaxseeds (Amharic: telbah) and hot water, is traditionally used in Ethiopia in treating leather. The seed's oil is widely used for industrial purposes such as soap making, paints preparations and preparation of different types of emulsions. The seed is used as bird food. As the seeds are so small, specialized bird feeders are manufactured for niger seed. In the United Kingdom the seeds attract finches and siskins. Niger oil cake, which consists of the residues obtained after processing of the seeds to make oil, is rich in protein and is used to feed livestock, particularly in Ethiopia. References External links James A. Duke. 1983. Handbook of Energy Crops (unpublished) Nigerseed: Specialty Grain Opportunity for Midwestern US Plants for a Future database Millerieae Flora of Ethiopia Bird food plants Edible nuts and seeds Ethiopian cuisine Crops originating from Ethiopia Plants described in 1782