Cumin (Jeera), Cumin Seeds, How to Store Cumin Spice

Cumin

<-- Picture of Cumin Seeds

Cumin (Hindi name: Jeera) 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 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.

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.

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

Source: National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR, Hyderabad, India

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.