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Is the oil Non-GMO? Is it free of pesticides?
Frequently asked questions by health-conscious individuals purchasing Black Seed Oil:
- Is the oil Non-GMO?
- Is it free of pesticides?
Before we delve into the details, rest assured that when purchasing Black Seed Oil, you can confidently obtain it without any concerns regarding these factors. The primary considerations for Black Cumin Oil are the cold/hot press method, production date, and the origin of the seeds. There is no need to worry about other aspects.
Non-GMO Black Seed Oil
This question is straightforward. GMO Nigella Sativa seeds do not exist anywhere. You only need to be concerned about it if Black Cumin Oil were to be present in every household, in every city, in every country, just like potatoes, tomatoes, and onions.
Annually, in the 2020s, we collect between 35,000 to 45,000 tons of Nigella Sativa seeds worldwide. This quantity is more than sufficient to meet the market demand. It is crucial to understand that Nigella Sativa farms are predominantly small businesses. There are no large corporations with extensive farms spanning hundreds of acres dedicated to planting N. Sativa flowers. Instead, the seeds are sourced from numerous small-scale farmers who responsibly tend to their land, ensuring an abundant supply of original seeds for cultivation. Consequently, the prospect of GMO black seeds is unlikely to arise in the 21st century.
Black Seed Oil pesticides
The matter of pesticides is comparable in nature. Presently, all Nigella Sativa farms worldwide exclusively employ natural pesticides. The last batch of pesticide-free kalonji seeds vanished from Syria when, due to the conflict in the region, local farmers transitioned to using natural pesticides starting from 2016/2017. As a result, all subsequent generations of seeds across the globe inherently possess traces of pesticides in their DNA.
Simultaneously, this is considered a completely normal situation for the 21st century, and these seeds are even eligible to obtain USDA organic certification. While not everyone may be familiar with the USDA organic specifications, we can assist you in understanding that the USDA organic certification page states: "In organic crop production, non-synthetic (natural) substances are permitted unless explicitly prohibited." In other words, nearly all natural pesticides are allowed. This is the reason why you will primarily find pesticide-free herbs and greens that are cultivated only in greenhouses today.
The most crucial aspect is to avoid the use of synthetic pesticides, but fortunately, there is no need to be concerned about it for the same reasons as GMOs. The global demand for black cumin seeds is smaller than the harvest, ensuring an ample supply of synthetic pesticide-free seeds.
There have been claims circulating on the internet since 2010 regarding the use of dangerous DDT pesticides in Ethiopia. However, this is no longer an issue, as the last remaining stock of DDT pesticides was eradicated in Ethiopia in 2013, and the substance is now banned in the country. It is worth noting that some individuals may still come across outdated news about DDT while researching the pesticide situation in Ethiopia in relation to purchasing Black Seed Oil derived from Ethiopian Nigella Sativa seeds.
