Cumin paste

Also Known As : jeere ka paste

Technical Name : Cuminum cyminum L.

Descriptions
details

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

It has an earthy, nutty and spicy taste with bitter undertones

Usage Tips

It can be used for making curries for North Indian dishes.
It is also used as a marinade for cooking meats.
It should be stored in the refrigerator to avoid spoilage.

Description

Cumin is an age-old spice that is obtained from the seeds of the plant called Cuminucum cyminum which belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is an ancient spice grown in Egypt and the Middle East. Cumin can be used whole as seeds or in the grounded form either as a powder or a paste. Cumin paste can easily be prepared at home. Just roast a handful of cumin on hot pan until it turns dark brown and gives a roasted flavor. Take the roasted seeds and grind it in a grinder into a fine powder. To this powder, add water followed by constant stirring until it thickens to form a paste. The addition of salt and spices to the paste is optional.

Health benefits

Cumin seeds are naturally rich in iron. Being a very dense source of iron it supports the growth and development of children. It also helps young women to replace the blood lost during menstruation. ⁽¹⁾
It contains beneficial plant compounds like terpenes, phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids which function as antioxidants and help to reduce the damage to the body from free radicals. Thus by stabilizing free radicals, it helps to fight against chronic conditions like clogged arteries, heart diseases. Inflammation in diabetes and cancer. ⁽¹⁾
It has hypolipidemic properties, which helps to control high levels of cholesterol in the body. It helps to maintain high levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body and eliminate the excess amount of LDL cholesterol. ⁽²⁾
Being a rich source of calcium it helps in increasing bone density, thereby delaying the onset of conditions of calcium deficiency like osteoporosis. ⁽²⁾
Cumin extracts have been shown to contain anti-inflammatory properties that help in relieving pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Cumin paste can thus be used for its anti-inflammatory properties. ⁽²⁾

Selection Guide

Buying whole cumin seeds rather than commercially available cumin paste is a better choice to be sure of non- adulteration. When buying whole cumin seeds it’s ideal to find a grocery store where the spice is selling out and being restocked frequently so that you are sure about the quality of the seeds.

Note

As cumin seeds have the ability to lower down the blood sugar levels, people with diabetes must keep a check on the frequent consumption of cumin paste as it can lead to hypoglycemia. Also, consumption of cumin paste must be strictly avoided prior to any surgery. ⁽³⁾

Resource & Links

(1) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-of-cumin#section2

(2) https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-cumin.html

(3) https://www.lybrate.com/topic/benefits-of-cumin-and-its-side-effects#side-effects-allergies-of-cumin

- Disclaimer
"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”