Cumin

Cumin, Cuminum cyminum, is the dried seed of an annual herbaceous plant of the parsley family. The cumin plant grows to 30–50 cm, before bearing small white or pink flowers that later turn into a fruit containing a single yellow-brown seed of about 4-5 mm long. The seeds are harvested by hand once a year during March and April.

Originally cultivated in the Mediterranean countries, the seed is now commercially grown in China, India, Uzbekistan, Iran, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Syria, Mexico and Chile. After pepper, cumin is the second most popular spice in the world.

Uses of cumin

As a condiment: Cumin has been used since ancient times in Indian, Arabic, North African, Latin American and Mediterranean cuisines. Mainly utilized to add an earthy and warm feeling to a dish, cumin, both in whole and powdered form is used in curries, gravies, soups and Tex-Mex chili. An important ingredient in Indian curry masalas, cumin is also used to flavor certain varieties of French bread and Dutch Leyden cheese.

For general health: Cumin seeds have been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine as a digestive aid, carminative and anti-flatulent agent. Cumin is also rich in iron, which makes it an excellent food supplement for women, children and the elderly. Research has also shown that the dietary fiber and flavonoid phenolic anti-oxidants such as carotenes, zea-xanthin and lutein, present in cumin, help in protecting the body against stomach and liver cancer. The spice also contains significant amounts of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, and other vital anti-oxidant vitamins like vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin C.

Selection and storage of cumin

Select cumin seeds by squeezing them between your thumb and index finger. Good quality cumin should release a peppery and pleasant smell and flavor.

Whole cumin seeds stay fresh for over a year and can be stored in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark place. Ground cumin, on the other hand, loses its flavor quickly and should be used within six months of packing. Cumin can be stored in the refrigerator to extent its shelf life.

Purchase superior quality cumin at Ameen Exports

Ameen Exports, located in Cochin, Kerala, offer customized packing and branding solutions for various spices including whole cumin seeds and powdered cumin. We ensure superior quality products by purchasing directly from the cultivators and processing them in our state-of-the-art processing unit. Our products comply with the quality standards required for export to International destinations such as Europe, U.S.A and GCC countries.