<-- Picture of Cumin Seeds
Cumin (Hindi name: Jeera, Scientific name: Cuminum Cyminum) is a hot, nutty flavored spice. It is used as whole dried seeds and as cumin ground powder. Cumin seed is an important spice for many vegetable curries, soups and other dishes.
Cumin grows in most hot countries like India, China, North Africa, and the Americas. The cumin seeds should be lightly roasted before being used whole or ground to bring out the aroma. Cumin may also be pounded with other spices in mixtures such as curry powder. Ground cumin must be kept airtight, to retain its pungency.
Cumin seeds contain protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, iron and phosphorous.
Cumin is used as a spice in Indian, Mexican, Portuguese, Eastern, Middle Eastern, and Spanish cookery. It is an important ingredient of most curry powders. Cumin seeds are used in many recipes to improve taste and flavor.
Cumin stimulates the appetite. Cumin is believed to increase lactation and reduce nausea in pregnancy. In India cumin is given to new mothers in puddings and other dishes for increased lactation. Cumin is diuretic, stimulant, astringent, emmenagogic, and antispasmodic. It is helpful in dyspepsia diarrhoea and hoarseness. Cumin helps to cure colic pain. It relieves swelling of the body, especially of breast or testicles, if used in a poultice.
Nutritional Values of Cumin
Parameters | Value per 100g |
| Moisture Protein Fat Minerals Fibre Carbohydrates Energy Calcium Phosphorus Iron | 11.900 gm 18.700 gm 15.000 gm 5.800 gm 12.000 gm 36.600 gm 356.000 K cal 1080.000 mg 511.000 mg 11.700 mg |
| Vitamins | |
| Carotene Thiamine Riboflavin Niacin Vitamin C Choline | 522.000 µg 0.550 mg 0.360 mg 2.600 mg 3.000 mg 1065.000 mg |
| Minerals & Trace Elements | |
| Magnesium Sodium Potassium Copper Manganese Zinc Phytin Phosphorus | 475.000 mg 126.000 mg 980.000 mg 0.710 mg 1.020 mg 2.660 mg 153.000 mg |
Tips for StoringCumin Seeds
Buy and store your cumin seseds in whole form. Grind cumin seeds in a grinder or mortar & pestle just prior to use.
Cumin seeds should be stored in airtight containers in a cool dark place.