
What are the side effects of cumin seeds?
… But excess consumption of the same can be harmful and may lead to side effects like :
- Heartburn.
- Lower blood sugar levels drastically.
- Harmful for the growing foetus in pregnancy.
- Interfere or slowdown clotting of blood and lead to bleeding.
Is cumin the same as black seed oil?
The black cumin plant is native to southwestern Asia, the Mediterranean and Africa. It has been grown for centuries for its aromatic and flavorful seeds that can be used as a spice or as an herbal medicine. This oil is also commonly called black cumin seed oil.
What are the side effects of cumin?
Interactions ?
- Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with CUMIN Cumin might lower blood sugar levels. ...
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with CUMIN Cumin might slow blood clotting. ...
- Rifampin (Rifadin) interacts with CUMIN Cumin might increase how much rifampin the body absorbs. ...
What are the benefits of cumin seeds?
- Cumin is an herb that’s a member of the parsley family. The seeds have a warm, earthy and slightly bitter taste.
- Cumin seeds are a great source of fiber, iron, manganese and calcium. ...
- Both whole and ground cumin seeds are used in a number of culinary dishes from across the globe. ...
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What's the difference between ground cumin and cumin seeds?
Ground cumin has a shorter shelf life than whole cumin seeds. Once ground, cumin's rich aroma and flavor will start to fade. That's why it's wise to buy ground cumin in small quantities or keep just cumin seeds on hand and roast and grind them with a spice grinder in small batches.
Can I use cumin seeds instead of ground cumin?
You can use cumin seeds and ground cumin like for like. So, if your recipe calls for a teaspoon of the seeds then you can use a teaspoon of ground cumin for the same flavor. Another trick to keep in mind is that you can actually ground cumin seeds yourself!
How do we get cumin seeds?
Cumin seed is harvested by hand after the bloom of the small white or pink flowers. Seeds are harvested when they brown — about 120 days – and are then dried and ground.
What is the cumin used for?
Cumin is an essential spice for Indian curries and chutneys. The spice also works well in a variety of rice dishes, stews, soups, breads, pickles, barbecue sauces, and chili con carne recipes. It is best to be conservative when cooking with cumin as its flavor can easily overtake a dish.
Do you have to crush cumin seeds?
You can use the toasted cumin seeds whole, or you can bring out even more flavor by crushing them slightly in a mortar and pestle. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, put the cooled cumin seeds in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan.
Is cumin and turmeric the same thing?
Does cumin come from turmeric? Turmeric is a root that comes from a flowering plant that is part of the ginger family, known as the Curcuma longa. The spice contains curcumin which is occasionally mixed up with the word cumin. However, cumin seed is a completely unrelated spice; it comes from the Cuminum cyminum plant.
What does fresh cumin look like?
Cumin seeds are harvested by hand from an annual plant; they are small, boat-shaped, and resemble caraway seeds. The most common variety of cumin is a brownish-yellow color, although you can also sometimes find black cumin, green cumin, and white cumin.
What part of cumin do we eat?
Its seeds – each one contained within a fruit, which is dried – are used in the cuisines of many cultures in both whole and ground form. Although cumin is thought to have uses in traditional medicine, there is no high-quality evidence that it is safe or effective as a therapeutic agent.
Where is cumin found?
cumin, (Cuminum cyminum), also spelled cummin, annual plant of the parsley family (Apiaceae) and the spice made of its seedlike fruits. Native to the Mediterranean region, cumin is also cultivated in India, China, and Mexico and is used to flavour a variety of foods.
Does cumin affect blood pressure?
Black cumin was found to benefit blood pressure by decreasing systolic blood pressure. As for glycaemic control, it has shown to reduce fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin levels.
Can you eat cumin seeds?
You can also choose simply to consume cumin in your diet. Chili powder, cumin seeds, and ground cumin all contain the antioxidant and metabolism-boosting capabilities of cumin. Seasoning rice, lentils, and roasted vegetables with cumin is a delicious way to experience its benefits.
What are the side effects of cumin?
Cumin might slow blood clotting, which might make bleeding disorders worse. Surgery: Cumin might lower blood sugar levels and slow blood clotting. It might interfere with blood sugar control and make bleeding worse during and after surgery. Stop using cumin at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
What is the color of cumin?
Cumin seeds are harvested by hand from an annual plant; they are small, boat-shaped, and resemble caraway seeds. The most common variety of cumin is a brownish-yellow color, although you can also sometimes find black cumin, green cumin, and white cumin. You will find whole seeds in Indian recipes ...
What is Cumin made of?
Cumin is a spice made from the dried seed of a plant known as Cuminum cyminum, which is a member of the parsley family .
How long can you keep cumin seeds in the freezer?
The seeds can be kept in the freezer over a long period to maintain their flavor if you do not use them regularly; otherwise, the seeds can be stored in the pantry for up to 3 to 4 years. Ground cumin should be stored in a cool, dark place and will last up to 6 months.
How to make ground cumin?
More flavor is brought out when the seed is lightly roasted, which is done easily using a dry pan over medium heat. Ground cumin is made by grinding dry roasted cumin seeds. It can be added at any time to a recipe as its flavor doesn't need heat or time to be released, as is the case with the seeds.
Where did cumin originate?
Origins. Cumin is an ancient spice grown in Egypt and the Middle East. It has been found in 4,000-year-old excavations in Syria and in ancient Egypt, where it was used both as a spice and as an element in preserving mummies. It appears in the Bible in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Since ancient times, cumin has been used extensively ...
Is cumin powder a whole seed?
Cumin is available as both whole seeds and ground powder and both are used in recipes. Whole cumin, for example, is featured in Indian dishes, where the whole seeds are added to hot oil at the start of the dish so the flavor infuses the oil and therefore the rest of the ingredients. More flavor is brought out when the seed is lightly roasted, which is done easily using a dry pan over medium heat.
Is cumin a good digestive aid?
Cumin seeds in Indian cuisine are often chewed as a digestive aid in India and may be offered at Indian restaurants at the completion of a meal for this purpose. Cumin is also high in iron and contains plant compounds that are antioxidants.
What is the color of cumin seeds?
The weed-like branches and leaves of the plant are very thin and feathery and the flowers are a small, pretty pink or white colour. And it's these short-lived flowers that after flowering produce clusters of the popular cumin seed.
Where does cumin come from?
Thriving in sunny moderate climates, the cumin plant is a native of the Nile valley, Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean. Today you'll find the spice being cultivated throughout the world, ranging from the Americas to Iran and Turkey, through to India, China and North Africa.
How long does it take for black cumin seeds to dry?
After 7-10 days the pods will have dried. Rub the pods between your fingers and the seeds will drop out ready for immediate use or storing in a jar out of direct sunlight. Note: I've never tried to grow black cumin, but as it also belongs to the apiaceae family, I guess it would need similar conditions to the above.
How long does it take to harvest cumin?
Throughout its history, and still to this day, this spice is harvested by hand which takes place about 4 months after sowing. When the plants begin to wither and the seeds are yellowish in colour the plants are cut down and thrashed in the same way as they've been done for thousands of years. Read more on the history of cumin.
What are cumin seeds?
Cumin seeds help to fight viral infections and illnesses, such as helping to prevent the common cold or flu, by acting as a disinfectant and antiviral agent. Cumin seeds have even been tested against E. coli, which is bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of healthy people and animals.
What is the flavor of cumin?
Cumin is an herb that’s a member of the parsley family. The seeds have a warm, earthy and slightly bitter taste. Cumin seeds are a great source of fiber, iron, manganese and calcium. They are valued for their ability to aid digestion, boost the immune system and relieve respiratory conditions.
What are the benefits of cumin seeds?
Cumin seeds are rich in powerful antioxidants that work to reverse signs of aging and damage to the skin. Cumin’s antifungal and antibacterial properties can also help improve skin infections.
Why is cumin used as a spice?
Cumin seeds are yellow-brown in color, with a flat and rectangular shape. The seeds are used for spice because of their distinctive flavor and aroma.
What is the meaning of cumin in the Bible?
In Sanskrit, cumin is known as Jira, meaning “that which helps digestion, ” and it is one of the most mentioned herbs in the Bible. For good reason, as it’s also believed that cumin is beneficial for heart disease, hemorrhoids, inflammation, insomnia, vomiting, weakened immune system and viral infections.
What is the purpose of thymol in cumin?
Thymol, a compound in cumin, is known to stimulate the glands that secrete acids, bile and enzymes. Animal studies have shown that spices like cumin produce significant stimulation of the activities of pancreatic lipase, proteases and amylase. These enzymes are responsible for the proper digestion of food in the stomach and intestines.
What is the compound in cumin?
Thymol, a compound in cumin, is known to stimulate the glands that secrete acids, bile and enzymes. Animal studies have shown that spices like cumin produce significant stimulation of the activities of pancreatic lipase, proteases and amylase.
How tall is cumin?
Cumin is the dried seed of the herb Cuminum cyminum, a member of the parsley family. The cumin plant grows to 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall and is harvested by hand. It is an annual herbaceous plant, with a slender, glabrous, branched stem that is 20–30 cm (8–12 in) tall and has a diameter of 3–5 cm ( 1#N#+#N#1⁄4 –2 in). Each branch has two to three subbranches. All the branches attain the same height, so the plant has a uniform canopy. The stem is coloured grey or dark green. The leaves are 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long, pinnate or bipinnate, with thread-like leaflets. The flowers are small, white or pink, and borne in umbels. Each umbel has five to seven umbellets. The fruit is a lateral fusiform or ovoid achene 4–5 mm ( 1⁄6 – 1⁄5 in) long, containing two mericarps with a single seed. Cumin seeds have eight ridges with oil canals. They resemble caraway seeds, being oblong in shape, longitudinally ridged, and yellow-brown in colour, like other members of the family Apiaceae ( Umbelliferae) such as caraway, parsley, and dill.
How to grow cumin seeds?
Cumin is grown from seeds. The seeds need 2 to 5 °C (36 to 41 °F) for emergence, an optimum of 20–30 °C (68–86 °F) is suggested. Cumin is vulnerable to frost damage, especially at flowering and early seed formation stages. Methods to reduce frost damage are spraying with sulfuric acid (0.1%), irrigating the crop prior to frost incidence, setting up windbreaks, or creating an early-morning smoke cover. The seedlings of cumin are rather small and their vigor is low. Soaking the seeds for 8 hours before sowing enhances germination. For an optimal plant population, a sowing density of 12–15 kilograms per hectare (11–13 lb/acre) is recommended. Fertile, sandy, loamy soils with good aeration, proper drainage, and high oxygen availability are preferred. The pH optimum of the soil ranges from 6.8 to 8.3. Cumin seedlings are sensitive to salinity and emergence from heavy soils is rather difficult. Therefore, a proper seedbed preparation (smooth bed) is crucial for optimal establishment of cumin.
How long does it take for cumin to grow?
Cumin is a drought-tolerant, tropical, or subtropical crop. It has a growth season of 100 to 120 days. The optimum growth temperature ranges are between 25 and 30 °C. The Mediterranean climate is most suitable for its growth. Cultivation of cumin requires a long, hot summer of three to four months. At low temperatures, leaf colour changes from green to purple. High temperature might reduce growth period and induce early ripening. In India, cumin is sown from October until the beginning of December, and harvesting starts in February. In Syria and Iran, cumin is sown from mid-November until mid-December (extensions up to mid-January are possible) and harvested in June/July.
What is cumin used for?
Cumin seed is used as a spice for its distinctive flavour and aroma. Cumin can be found in some cheeses, such as Leyden cheese, and in some traditional breads from France. Cumin can be an ingredient in chili powder (often Tex-Mex or Mexican-style) and is found in achiote blends, adobos, sofrito, garam masala, curry powder, and bahaarat, and is used to flavor numerous commercial food products. In South Asian cooking it is often combined with coriander seeds in a powdered mixture called dhana jeera.
How many chromosomes are in cumin?
Cumin is a diploid species with 14 chromosomes (i.e. 2n = 14). The chromosomes of the different varieties have morphological similarities with no distinct variation in length and volume. Most of the varieties available today are selections. The variabilities of yield and yield components are high. Varieties are developed by sib mating in enclosed chambers or by biotechnology. Cumin is a cross-pollinator, i.e. the breeds are already hybrids. Therefore, methods used for breeding are in vitro regenerations, DNA technologies, and gene transfers. The in vitro cultivation of cumin allows the production of genetically identical plants. The main sources for the explants used in vitro regenerations are embryos, hypocotyl, shoot internodes, leaves, and cotyledons . One goal of cumin breeding is to improve its resistance to biotic (fungal diseases) and abiotic (cold, drought, salinity) stresses. The potential genetic variability for conventional breeding of cumin is limited and research about cumin genetics is scarce.
What is the relative humidity of cumin?
The relative humidity in the center of origin of cumin is rather low. High relative humidity (i.e. wet years) favours fungal diseases. Cumin is especially sensitive to Alternaria blight and Fusarium wilt. Early-sown crops exhibit stronger disease effects than late sown crops. The most important disease is Fusarium wilt, resulting in yield losses up to 80%. Fusarium is seed- or soil-borne and it requires distinct soil temperatures for development of epidemics. Inadequate fertilization might favour Fusarium epidemics. Cumin blight ( Alternaria) appears in the form of dark brown spots on leaves and stems. When the weather is cloudy after flowering, the incidence of the disease is increased. Another, but less important, disease is powdery mildew. Incidence of powdery mildew in early development can cause drastic yield losses because no seeds are formed. Later in development, powdery mildew causes discoloured, small seeds.
Where did cumin originate?
Likely originating in the Levant region of Eastern Mediterranean, cumin has been in use as a spice for thousands of years. Seeds excavated in Syria were dated to the second millennium BC. They have also been reported from several New Kingdom levels of ancient Egyptian archaeological sites. In the ancient Egyptian civilization, cumin was used as a spice and as a preservative in mummification.
How to make cumin seeds darker?
Roast your cumin if you want to enhance the flavor and aroma. Place a small skillet on high heat, and place your seeds into the pan once it is hot . Shake your seeds in the pan for about a minute until they get darker in color.#N#Thanks!#N#Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
How long does it take for cumin to grow?
Cumin plants easily grow both indoors and outdoors, and they require watering every 1-3 days. Harvest the cumin seeds after about 4 months of growth. Cumin is one of the easiest plants to grow, so give it a go!
How to grow cumin in a hole?
Use well-drained, fertile sandy loam soil for best results. Put the plant in the middle of your hole, and scoop your soil with your garden spade. Continue scooping soil until the hole is full to the top . Cumin plants are rather sturdy. They can adjust to a diverse range of soil types.
How long before the last frost date can you plant cumin seeds?
Start with seeds if you have about 6-8 weeks before the final frost date. Growing cumin from seeds is the easiest and cheapest method. You need a few weeks in advance to get them started. Plant your cumin seeds indoors so they have time to mature by the time spring arrives.
How to grow a savanna from seed?
Place 1 seed in each of your holes and cover them with loam soil. After you dig your holes, take your seeds from the paper towel and place them into their own individual hole. Scoop up a bit of your loam soil, and sprinkle it over top. Pour about 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) of soil on top.
How to keep cumin plants hydrated?
Cumin plants do not like long periods of dry heat, so it is important to keep them hydrated. In the summer months, it can get very dry and arid, so fill up a spray bottle with water and saturate your cumin plants.
How to get rid of aphids on cumin?
Fortunately, there are many natural remedies to get rid of them. You can try spraying them with a garden hose, or place onions or garlic around your plants as a natural deterrent.
How to grow cumin?
To successfully grow cumin you will need fertile, free draining soil located in full sun. Cumin is a drought tolerant plant, but can also adapt well to climates with frequent rainfall, as long as the soil is well drained. Prolonged damp soil conditions can cause root rot and plant decline.
When do cumin seeds start to grow?
Seed pods develop after blooming in early fall when the stems and seed heads begin to dry. Seeds are oblong, approximately ¼ inch in length, ribbed and green/grey at first, turning a brownish yellow color when ready to harvest. Cumin cannot tolerate frost.
How to propagate cumin seeds?
Propagation. Cumin plants are propagated from seed sown directly outside or indoors in pots for planting out later. Outside: Sow seeds directly around two weeks after the last frost date and temperatures are 60ºF (15ºC) and above. Sow into drills, ¼ inch deep and thin seedlings when 2 inches tall to 4-8 inches apart.
How long does it take for cumin seeds to germinate?
Seed germination takes between 7 and 14 days.
How long does it take for cumin to grow?
It needs a long growing season of at least 120 days with temperatures no lower than 60ºF (15ºC). In cool northern regions, start seeds indoors ready for planting outside after the last frost. When planning to grow cumin it is important to understand that each plant produces a small number of seeds.
How long does it take for a cumin plant to harvest?
Seeds are ready to harvest after 120-150 days. Cumin plants may not all harvest consistently, so keep a close eye on your crop to ensure you harvest on time. If seeds are left too long on the plant, they will fall and scatter on the ground.
What is the plant that is used in cooking?
The herb plant Cuminum cy minum, commonly known as cumin, is grown for its seeds which are used whole or ground into a powder. It has been used in cooking and medicine throughout history, from Egyptian mummification to the ancient Greeks seasoning all their food with cumin, sprinkling it on like salt and pepper.
What is a cumin plant?
And Other Questions. Cumin (AKA Jeera) is a flowering plant that has been used as a spice for centuries. It is classified as a member of the Apiaceae family, and you use the dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant to add flavor to a dish or to compliment the natural sweetness of food. This plant has a slender stem that grows eight ...
How long does cumin last?
Spices usually have a few year shelf life as it is, and cumin is good for around two to three additional years past the expiration date.
What is the difference between cumin and turmeric?
Turmeric is also well-known for its bright yellow color, and it’s slightly diluted taste profile while cumin has a bittersweet bite.
How many calories are in cumin?
This spice is very low in calories, and it contains roughly 16 calories in two teaspoons, and this makes it an excellent way to add spice to your food without adding a lot of additional calories. It can speed up your metabolism because cumin contains a lot of iron.
When is cumin harvested?
In India, they normally begin harvesting their cumin crops in early to mid-February. Iran and Syria follow a slightly different schedule when it comes to their cumin harvest.
When is cumin season in India?
India’s growing season is traditionally from October until early December, and the harvest begins in early February. Unfortunately, cumin is prone to diseases and pests so each crop must be carefully monitored and harvested at peak times.
Where is cumin grown?
The cumin plant is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and east of India . India is the main producer of cumin, and this country produces over 70 percent of the world’s cumin supply. Syria, Iran, and Turkey are the other three major regions where you’ll find native cumin being grown.

Chemistry
Overview
- Cumin is an ancient spice grown in Egypt and the Middle East. It has been found in 4,000-year-old excavations in Syria and in ancient Egypt, where it was used both as a spice and as an element in preserving mummies. It appears in the Bible in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
History
- Since ancient times, cumin has been used extensively in India as well as by the Greeks and Romans. It made its way into Mexican and South American cuisine after European colonization, brought by the Spanish and Portuguese.
Uses
- Cumin is available as both whole seeds and ground powder and both are used in recipes. Whole cumin, for example, is featured in Indian dishes, where the whole seeds are added to hot oil at the start of the dish so the flavor infuses the oil and therefore the rest of the ingredients. More flavor is brought out when the seed is lightly roasted, which is done easily using a dry pan over mediu…
Preparation
- Ground cumin is made by grinding dry roasted cumin seeds. It can be added at any time to a recipe as its flavor doesn't need heat or time to be released, as is the case with the seeds. More intense and nuanced flavor can be enjoyed by lightly roasting whole cumin seeds and then grinding the seeds in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. You might want to take that int…
Cuisine
- Cumin is used in both meat and vegetable dishes, as well as in soups and sauces. A popular Indian recipe is jeera rice, which is a combination of rice and cumin seeds. Cumin is also a seasoning in Middle Eastern falafel.
Availability
- Whole cumin seeds can be found packaged in the spice section of most grocery stores. It is often cheaper to buy cumin seed at an international market catering to Latin American, Indian, North African, or Middle Eastern cuisine. Ground cumin is readily available at most grocery stores in the spice aisle.
Cultivation
- The seeds can be kept in the freezer over a long period to maintain their flavor if you do not use them regularly; otherwise, the seeds can be stored in the pantry for up to one year. Ground cumin should be stored in a cool, dark place and will last up to six months.