Cumin |
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Description Cumin is the
dried, white fruit with greyish brown colour of a small slender annual
herb. The surface of the fruit has 5 primary ridges, alternatively has
4 less distinct secondary ridges bearing numerous short hairs. The plant
is 15 to 50 cm high. The aromatic seed like fruit is elongated, ovoid,
3 to 6 mm long, slightly bitter and has a warm flavour. The flowers
are white or rose coloured in small umbels. |
| Origin and Distribution
Cumin is indigenous to Northern Egypt, Syria, the Mediterranean region,
Iran and India. It is also cultivated in Mexico, China, Sicily and Malta.
Cumin is a tropical plant and is cultivated as a rabi crop in areas
where atmospheric humidity during February-March is low. |
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| Uses
Cumin seed have an aromatic odour and bitter taste. It is used as a condiment, and is an ingredient in curry powders, seasonings of breads, cakes and cheese. It is employed in native dishes of Central and South America. In medicine, it is used as a stimulant, carminative, stomachic and astringent. Cumin seed oil is used in perfumery and for flavouring liqueurs and cordials. |
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