Cumin seeds are aromatic spices that have a unique flavor and a strong aroma because of their enormous oil content. Cumin powder is known for its hot taste that feels warm on the tongue and light color. Cumin spice is a popular ingredient in Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Mexican recipes.
Cumin seeds are available as amber, white and black cumin. Black cumin seed oil and black cumin are the popular varieties of cumin seeds and widely used as an ingredient in curry powder because of their highly refined flavor. Black cumin oil is used as a fragrance in cosmetics. Cumin seeds have several health benefits as well, which shall be discussed later.
Tastes
Cumin seeds have a surprisingly strong flavor for their size, which is quite small. The cumin spice flavor is spicy and penetrating, while being moderately citric. Black cumin may have a distinct taste from amber or white cumin seeds and is decidedly more peppery. The aroma of cumin seeds is quite strong, and stays with you for long.
Pairing Spices
Allspice, cardamom, chili, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seed, fennel seed, fenugreek seed, ginger, mustard, nigella, paprika, tamarind, turmeric.
Complements
Indian curries and practically all Asian red curries, chicken and seafood dishes, rice and vegetable dishes, breads, Mexican sauces, liquers such as kummel.
Culinary Uses
Cumin seeds are used in a variety of Indian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Mexican recipes such as Lime-Soaked, Cumin-Crusted Skirt Steak, Huevos Rancheros with Cumin Lime Cream, Indian Cumin Potatoes or Jeera Aloo and so on.
Cumin seed is used in the preparation of Homemade Curry Powder Recipe, Fajita Seasoning, Taco Seasoning Recipe, Chili Seasoning Mix and so on, which are used to add flavor to vegetables, chicken and fish dishes.
Cumin seed is used as a flavoring component in spices, foods, and beverages. You can make the most soothing cumin tea by boiling the cumin seeds in water and allowing them to steep. Cumin spice also enhances the flavor of legumes such as black beans and lentils.
Buying and Storing
When buying cumin spice, it’s always better to buy them in the form of cumin seeds rather than as cumin powder, as it loses its flavor pretty fast when stored in the form of powder. Besides, it is very easy to ground the cumin seed into fine powder as and when you need it.
Cumin powder usually retains its flavor for 6 months while cumin seeds stay strong for a whole year. You should always store cumin seeds and cumin power in a sealed glass container in a perfectly dry, cool and dark spot.
The best cumin spice is available in ethnic shops, not in supermarkets. But it’s alright to purchase them in supermarkets when there are no ethnic spice stores in your area. As far as possible buy organically grown black cumin as that delivers the best health benefits. Also, you will have the confidence that it has not been subjected to any artificial treatment.
Health Benefits
Cumin seeds do have an excellent flavor, but there is more to them than just great taste. Cumin spice has several great health benefits:
Cumin seeds are known to stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes which are compounds critical for proper digestion and nutrient assimilation. Hence Cumin seed is used to relieve several digestive problems such as diarrhea, gas, colic and bowel spasms.
Cumin spice is known to improve urine flow and used as a diuretic to relieve some of the bloating. Cumin seeds are used by women to help with their menstruation cycles. They are also used widely by several cultures as an aphrodisiac, to boost sexual desires.
Cumin seeds are excellent sources of iron. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin and high iron content in blood is necessary to main the supply of oxygen from the lungs to all blood vessels in the body.
Cumin seeds keep the body’s metabolism high and boost your energy levels by providing the body with precious iron. This is also the reason why cumin spice is recommended for menstruating, pregnant or lactating women, as well as for growing children.
A lot of research is being done on the benefits of Cumin for those suffering from cancer. Cumin seeds are said to have anti- carcinogenic properties, and are recommended to cancer patients.
