ABOUT
Cumin is the dried, white fruit with greyish brown colour of a small slender annual herb. Cumin is also known by its plant name Cuminum cyminum and it belongs to the plant family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae. The history of the herb dates back 5,000 years, and it was highly regarded by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
It originated in Iran and the Mediterranean. This spice has a unique flavor and a warm delicious aroma. It is a staple in Mexican and Vietnamese. Cumin has been a part of the human diet for thousands of years. It’s grown in the Middle East, Mediterranean, India, and China. Today, most cumin sold in the United States originally comes from India.
People across the world use cumin as a seasoning in food and extract its oil for perfumes. It’s also a popular remedy in traditional medicine—and for good reason. Cumin packs a lot of health benefits into a few tiny seeds.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS (100 G OF EDIBLE PORTION)
| Energy (kcal) | Carbohydrate (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 444.42 | 44.36 | 17.2 | 22.02 |
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Cumin to treat conditions ranging from indigestion and diarrhea to headaches.
- Cumin may help kill some bacteria that can get into your body and make you sick. It has shown to limit the growth of microorganisms, including E. coli—a bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
- Scientists have found that cumin seeds may prevent the growth of different kinds of tumors, including those caused by liver, stomach, and colon cancers.
- Cumin may help people control their cholesterol levels. In one study, cumin powder dissolved in yogurt helped reduce “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing “good” (HDL) cholesterol.
- Cumin may help people living with diabetes manage its symptoms and effects.
- Improve Digestion its extract significantly relieved irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms like belly pain, bloating, and the urgent need to go to the bathroom.
- Cumin supplements may be as effective at reducing weight and BMI as a commonly used weight loss drug.
- Cumin contains compounds called flavonoids that work as antioxidants in the body.
Nutritional Info
This information is per serving.
-
Calories
8 Kcal
-
Carbohydrates
1 gm
-
Protein
0 gm
-
Fat
0 gm
How to Prepare Cumin
Cumin is a popular seasoning in many Indian and Latin American dishes. Some recipes call for use of the whole cumin seed while others use the powdered form.
Both cumin seed and powder have a rich, earthy, nutty flavor. If you’re using whole cumin seeds, try toasting them in a nonstick pan to bring out more of their unique flavor.
Here are just a few ways you can experiment with using cumin as a seasoning in your food:
- Add cumin to a spice rub for grilled chicken or fish.
- Mix cumin with yogurt, veggies, and other spices to make a traditional Indian raita.
- Toss cumin seeds with rice or couscous.
- Stir cumin into your favorite chili recipe.
- Sprinkle a little cumin onto a salad for an extra kick.
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