Niger
Seeds
Also
known as Nigra, Niga, and
Inga - the word simply means 'black'. Niger is the seed of
a plant which is closely related to the Sunflower. It is largely
grown in Northern India for the copious amounts of oil which
the crushed seed yields - which is used as lamp oil. The seed
is about 4mm in length and should only be bought if it is shiny
black and smells clean and wholesome; the seed is long, brittle
and easily broken.
Only the current season's crop should
be bought and stored seed should always be used or disposed of
within a season. It contains almost 40% oil by weight - of
which the cold-pressed oil is used for human food and the residue,
extracted by hot steam is used for soap and lamp oil.
The great 19th C canary expert C.A.
House wrote: "It is a grand seed and I have used immense quantities
of it during the cold winter and spring months. Some fanciers only
use it during the breeding season; I use it all year round. Birds
will leave any other seed for Niger, they will even abandon Hemp.
Although it is rich in oil I have never known any ill effects from
its use, and for keeping birds in good health and full song there
is no seed to equal it.".
Derived from a relative of the sunflower
(not from a thistle as is often suggested), it resembles sunflower
seed in its oil-rich contents, its suitability for a wide range
of birds, and its ease of presentation in a variety of feeders.
The above information was supplied from an unknown
source.
 |
Small black
seed from North America recently become very popular, high
in oil. Popular with Goldfinches. |
Code: |
|
Weight: |
25kg (55lbs) |
Suitable for use: |
On the ground, on a table or in a feeder |
Energy value: |
High Medium |
Price: |
£38.00 |
|
|
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