Cumin is a kind of spice that forms an integral part of various dishes in the Indian cuisine. A typical cumin seed has a striped pattern of nine ridges and oil canals.
It is brownish in colour and oblong shaped, tapering at each extremity with tiny stalks attached. Cumin seeds resemble caraway seeds in appearance. However, they are lighter in colour, hotter to taste, larger in size and unlike caraway, have minute bristles that are hardly visible to the naked eye.
The warm and bitter flavor of this aromatic spice as well as its abundant oil content make it usable in Indian, Mexican, North African, Middle Eastern and western Chinese cuisines. In India, cumin seeds are an important component of curry powder and “garam masala”. They are generally fried or roasted before using. Cumin seeds are sometimes available dried or ground to a brownish-green powder.
Cumin seeds are generally available in three colours- amber, white and black. The amber seeds are the most common.
Cumin Facial Mask For Glowing Skin
You can prepare a face pack by mixing finely ground turmeric, or organic turmeric powder and cumin in the ratio of 3: 1.
To make this mask, use honey to mix both the ingredients. Apply this on your face and wait till it dries up, and wash off. Honey can soothe the inflamed tissue and prevents the spices from becoming too dry. If you have sunburns or are acne prone or have blotchy skin, you can add plain organic yoghurt with the turmeric/cumin mixture and apply. Wait till dry and wash off with plain water.
So Many Uses, Such Amazing Benefits!
Besides its culinary uses, this aromatic spice is known for its medicinal properties since ancient times. Being an excellent source of iron, it aids in digestion, boosts the immune system and has anti-carcinogenic properties.
Black cumin seeds contain about 100 chemical compounds including vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and fatty acids. They are known for their healing qualities. Some cultures of the past believe that these can heal any type of disease and they were even referred to as the curative black seeds. Thus, this spice has a rich history and was particularly favored by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. In ancient times, it was even used as a method for payment of taxes and debts.
DID YOU KNOW?
Cumin is also a good source of dietary fiber which helps in the cleaning process and removes toxins.
To Treat Boils
Boils are outlet for the elimination of toxic substances and foreign matters such as microbes etc. Occurrence of boils indicates the accumulation of toxic substances in the body. Regular usage of cumin in your food helps in keeping your skin free from boils, rashes, pimples etc. This is because it has components such as Cuminaldehyde (2), Thymol and phosphorus which are good detoxifying agents. They help in facilitating regular removal of toxins from the body through the excretory system and not through boils. If you are suffering from acne or boils, you can try applying a paste made of ground cumin seeds and a teaspoon of vinegar.
TREAT ITCHINESS CAUSED BY HEAT
If you are suffering skin itchiness caused by body heat, try boiling some cumin seeds in a large pot of water. Ratio of water to cumin seeds should be 1 litre to 1 tablespoon. Once it has cooled, take a bath and have your final rinse with this water.
Rich In Iron
If you are deficient in iron, here’s news for you: Cumin seeds are very rich in iron, which makes it an essential natural health ingredient. This iron content helps to treat anaemia, and low haemoglobin. Cumin also helps in acting as a carrier of oxygen to the cells in the body.
Reminder: Do consult your doctor before discontinuing any prescription medicines for these conditions.
Selecting And Storing Cumin
- When buying cumin, always go for whole seeds rather than cumin powder as the latter loses its flavour more quickly and may contain adulterated or inferior quality spice mixtures.
- If you need it in powdered form, try grounding it at home with a mortar and pestle.
- Like other dried spices, always select organically grown dried cumin seeds as they are less likely to be irradiated.
- They should release pleasant yet peppery flavour when squeezed between index finger and thumb, indicating superior quality seeds.
- The seeds should not be broken and should be packaged well.
- Cumin seeds and cumin powder should be stored in a tightly sealed glass container
- Store in a cool, dark and dry place.
- It can be stored for months and the seeds can be milled using a hand mill as and when required.
- Ground and powdered cumin can be stored in the refrigerator in an air sealed container.
- It is advisable to use ground cumin as early as possible since it loses its flavour quickly.
