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Traditional Turkish basket cheese with black seed; mildly salty, aromatic
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 slice (medium) of Basket cheese with black seed (30 g) has 81 calories. That works out to 270 calories per 100 g. It contains 0.8 g of carbs, 5.1 g of protein, 6.3 g of fat and 0.2 g of fiber. Its 180 mg of Calcium covers 18% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Selected: 1 slice (medium) · 30 g
81
KCAL / 30G
Carbs
0.8g
· 0% DV
Protein
5.1g
· 10% DV
Fat
6.3g
· 8% DV
Fiber
0.2g
· 1% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 4% · Protein 25% · Fat 71%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 81 kcal | |
| Total fat | 6.3 g | 8% |
| Saturated fat | 3.9 g | 20% |
| Trans fat | 0.06 g | |
| Sodium | 270 mg | 12% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0.8 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% |
| Protein | 5.1 g | 10% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 slice (medium) | 30 g | 81 kcal |
| 1 slice (thin) | 20 g | 54 kcal |
| 1 slice (thick) | 50 g | 135 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 60 g | 162 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 80 g | 216 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 270 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 100 g | 270 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 120 g | 324 kcal |
| 1 piece (whole) | 200 g | 540 kcal |
Calculated from 270 calories per 100 g.
Basket cheese with black seed is a Turkish cheese shaped by draining curds in a basket-style mold and mixing in nigella seeds. The mold can leave a patterned surface, while the exact milk and production method vary by producer.
Basket cheese with black seed tastes mildly salty, milky, and aromatic rather than sharply tangy. The nigella adds an earthy, slightly peppery note, so the flavor is more distinctive than plain basket cheese without being overpowering.
Slice basket cheese with black seed and serve it at breakfast with bread, tomatoes, olives, or cucumber. It also works in sandwiches, or simply on its own when you want to notice the nigella’s aroma.
Yes, basket cheese with black seed can be heated, but it may soften without melting into a smooth, stretchy texture. Try a small piece in a pan or oven first, and avoid prolonged high heat, which can make it dry.
No, basket cheese with black seed is not halloumi. Basket cheese is shaped in a basket-style mold and contains nigella; halloumi is known for holding its shape when heated and is commonly grilled or pan-fried.
Keep basket cheese with black seed covered in the refrigerator after opening. If it came packed in brine, store it in that brine to help prevent drying; discard it if you notice mold, an off smell, or an unusual change in texture.
Yes, basket cheese with black seed can be frozen, though thawing may leave it more crumbly or watery. Freeze it in small, airtight portions and use thawed cheese in cooked dishes or pastries rather than expecting perfect slices.
A mild, lightly salted fresh cheese is the closest substitute for basket cheese with black seed. If you use plain basket cheese, add a little nigella separately to bring back its characteristic aroma; halloumi is firmer and behaves differently when cooked.
The black seeds in basket cheese with black seed are nigella seeds, also called black cumin in some places, but they are not the same as cumin. Their earthy, peppery flavor gives the cheese its distinctive aroma.
Basket cheese with black seed may be made with cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk, depending on the producer and region. The name alone does not identify the milk, so ask the seller if you need a particular type.
Vitamins
B12
0.36µg · 15% DV
B2
0.11mg · 8% DV
Vitamin A
66µg · 7% DV
Biotin
0.75µg · 3% DV
Minerals
Calcium
180mg · 18% DV
Phosphorus
105mg · 15% DV
Sodium
270mg · 12% DV
Zinc
0.75mg · 7% DV
Potassium ⭐
27mg · 1% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 81 calories in 1 slice (medium) (30 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Basket cheese with black seed is a traditional Turkish cheese made by draining curds in a basket-shaped mould and flavouring them with black seed, also called nigella. It has a gently salty taste, a distinctive aromatic note and a texture that is usually soft enough to slice.
In Turkey, it is often served at breakfast with bread, tomatoes and cucumber, or set out as part of a cheese plate. Elsewhere, try it with fresh vegetables, olives or crusty bread. It provides protein—17 g per 100 g—and is also relatively rich in fat, so a modest slice alongside produce makes a balanced snack or light meal.
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Contains these allergens:
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
3.9g
MONOUNSATURATED
1.65g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.36g
Omega 6:3 ratio 4:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.