Cumin
Description
Cumin is the seeds of the fruit of the Cuminum
cyminum plants. Native to South Western Asia as well as the Middle
East, these seeds are dried and used in food as well as for other purposes.
Currently, India holds the position of being the leading producers as well as
consumers of Cumin. Apart from the seed form, it is also used in the powdered
form or as essential oils. The plant requires optimum temperatures between
25-30 degree Celsius and good Mediterranean climate.
History
Having believed to have originated in the Eastern
Meditteranean region, Cumin has been used as a spice for over a thousand years.
In the days of the Egyptian civilization, Cumin was used as a spice as well as
in the process of mummification, as a preservative. Over time, the spice was a
major part of the Roman cuisine. It was also used in the Americas by the
Spanish and Portuguese colonists. Today, the main producers of Cumin include
India, China, Northern Africa, Chile, and Mexico.
Specification
Product Name |
Cumin seeds |
Origin |
Levant (Eastern Meditteranean) |
Family |
Apiaceae |
Binomial name |
Cuminum cyminum |
Features & Characteristics
Color |
Brownish-yellow (other variants are also available) |
Taste and Smell |
Earthy, nutty, spicy taste with a strong, warm aroma |
Quality |
Ingredients
Nutrients |
375 Kcl Calories |
Minerals |
Calcium |
Vitamins |
Vitamin C, E, B |
Protein |
17.81 gm |
Fats |
22.27 gm |
Uses & Benefits
Cumin seeds are a spice known to have multiple uses and some
health benefits as well. Let’s take a look at some of the common ones -
Uses :
- Culinary
- Cumin seeds or in the powdered form is used as a spice
in a number of dishes across the planet.
- Essential
oils - Due to its aroma and pungent smell, cumin is also
used as essential oils and perfumes.
- Skincare
- It is mixed with other products such as honey in
skincare including exfoliation.
- Medicinal
- Cumin is used in traditional medicine to make kashaya,
arishta, etc. It is also used in several Indian households as jira water.
Turmeric Uses & Benefits :
- Skincare
- Detoxification
- Weight
loss
- Digestion