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Cumin

Also Known As : Kamoun, Kamun (Arabic), Green cumin, White cumin, Cummin (English), Cumin, Cumin blanc, Cumin du Maroc, Faux anis (French), Jira, Jeera, Saphed jira (Hindi), Jilakara, Jilakarra (Telugu), Zira (Urdu).
Technical Name : Cuminum cyminum
MySmartKitchenTM 1

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

  Cumin has a pungent, sharp and nutty taste with slightly bitter undertones.

Usage Tips

  1. It can be used in preparation of curries, stews and soups.
  2. It can be used to add flavor to alcoholic beverages and desserts.
  3. Cumin seeds may be used as a powder or used whole.
  4. Cumin has the strength to stand up to grilled and roasted meat
  5. It can be used to add a bit pungency to rubs and marinades for tofu

Common names and forms

  1. Cumin (jeera)
  2. Cumin Seeds
  3. Cumin Whole
  4. Cuminum Cyminum
  5. For tempering:- cumin seeds
  6. Fried Cumin
  7. Jeera
  8. Jeera seed
  9. Jeera Whole
  10. Jeeraka
  11. Natural Cumin Seeds
  12. Organic Cumin
  13. Organic Cumin Whole
  14. Roasted zeera
  15. Shah Jeera
  16. Teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  17. Whole Cumin
  18. Zeera

Description

Cumin is a popular spice which is grown from a flowering plant that belongs to Apiaceae family. Cumin is a seed of the small umbelliferous plant. It comes as paired or separate carpels, and are nearly3-6mm long. They have striped patterns of ridges and oil canals with hairy and boat-shaped appearance, tapering at each end, with tiny stalks attached. They resemble caraway seeds but are light brownish in color. It is known to be originated in Western Asia, where it is cultivated since Biblical times. Today the main cumin seeds producing countries are India, Iran, Indonesia, China and the South Mediterranean. In India, cumin seeds are sown from October until the beginning of December and harvested in February.

Health benefits

  • Cumin seeds naturally contain apigenin and luteolin which are potent antioxidants. They have the ability to kill free radicals and remove toxins from the body. This prevents the onset of chronic diseases like cancer. (1)
  • These seeds are considered to have hypolipidemic properties. This means it has the ability to cut down and remove bad cholesterol from the body and aid in the accumulation of good cholesterol in the body. This helps in maintaining cholesterol levels under control and reduces the risk of heart diseases. (1)
  • They help in the burning of calories at a faster rate by increasing the speed of metabolism and improving digestion. Having a healthy digestive system and a fast metabolism helps in weight loss. (1)
  • They have rich stores of iron. Iron plays a vital role in increasing hemoglobin levels and improving blood flow in the body. It may also help to relieve the symptoms of anemia such as fatigue, anxiety and cognitive malfunctioning. (2)
  • It has vitamin C as well. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants that stimulate the activity of white blood cells and boosts the immunity of an individual. (2)
  • Researches prove that cumin seeds have the ability to significantly reduce blood glucose and decrease glucosuria levels (release of glucose in the urine). This prevents the state of hypoglycemia. Thus quite evidently these seeds are good for diabetes patients. (2)

Selection Guide

Buy cumin seeds that are dark brown in color as it indicates good quality. Ensure that the packs or jars are tightly sealed so there is no contamination or mold growth. Opt for buying whole cumin seeds instead of cumin powder and make your own cumin powder at home to avoid adulteration.

Note

As cumin seeds have the ability to lower blood glucose levels people undergoing surgery should not consume these seeds. Excess intake of cumin may cause heartburn. (2)

Resource & Links

(1) https://www.healthline.com/health/cumin-benefits#benefits

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

 

- 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.”