Cumin seeds are a part of a flowering plant which belongs to the family plants which are highly aromatic. Its seeds are useful in whole as well as ground form and are widely grown in the middle east and southern Asia.

These seeds are easily available in the market and are priced according to their quality. Apart from their culinary use they are highly nutritious and are also used to treat various illnesses and prevent certain diseases.

 

Different Types Of Cumin

Being a plant product, it comes in various qualities depending on the seed size and structure. Apart from the quality of seeds that affects the prices, cumin is also available in various types. The two most common classifications to understand its different types are:

• The area where it is cultivated
• The color of its seeds

 

(A) The various types of cumin under the first category are:

1) The Indian Variety

Most of the world’s cumin production and consumption happens in India. The variety grown in India forms a major percentage in the total global production of cumin. Its aroma is also very similar to that of the Iranian cumin. This type of cumin most probably contains 3-5% of essential oil content.

 

2) The Iranian Variety

Iran majorly produces black cumin, and it was one of the major cumin exporters for the USA. Cumin is majorly grown in the Khorasan province of Iran.

 

3) Middle Eastern Variety

This variety has a different aroma, and even the flavor is usually not similar to either Indian or Iranian variety. It is cultivated in Pakistan, Syria, and Turkey.

 

While India and China consume the major cumin production of the World, they are also the largest producers of the same. Cumin is also known as ‘Jeera’ in India. It forms a base in majorly all Indian curries and rice dishes.

 

(B) Cumin according to Its color of seeds is further classified in these three types:

1) Cumin

Cumin is a popular spice in India, Pakistan, and other middle eastern countries. It is a part of majorly all our delicacies. They add a specific aroma to these dishes and also have a unique taste from the rest of the spices. Most of our Indian dishes namely curries, rice, korma, dal tadka are considered incomplete without the addition of Cumin. These seeds are also used in controlling chronic diarrhea.

 

2) Black Cumin

These seeds are historically related to Ayurveda and have a lot of medicinal value along with their culinary uses. It is used in treating several diseases like Bronchitis, Asthma and even rheumatism. They are considered to be antibiotic, antifungal, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive and also anti-inflammatory.

It is also a basic ingredient in many ayurvedic syrups like liver tonics, anti-diarrheal and even some digestive syrups.

 

3) White Cumin or Bitter Cumin

Is also used as a spice used mainly in continental food, its prime ingredient is cumin aldehyde. It is usually cultivated in northern India which has a mountainous terrain.

 

These seeds are also used in aesthetic medicine in their nature Before we get into its various types let us first take a glance at its uses and benefits:

1) Prevents Anemia

Anemia is often caused due to deficiency of Iron. Due to its iron content Cumin is known to prevent anemia.

2) Treatment of Skin Disorders

Because of high Vitamin E Content, Cumin is beneficial for the skin. It not only treat a boil, removes toxin but also is known to be helpful in treating disorders like eczema and psoriasis.

 

3) Treatment for Hair Health

It is believed that Black cumin has many nutrients that accentuate hair growth, add shine and prevent hair loss. Its aroma also helps in fighting dandruff.

 

4) Maintenance of Blood Sugar Levels

It is a well-known fact that cumin seeds help control diabetes. It is often a part of ayurvedic remedies which help in controlling this illness.

 

5) fights Indigestion

It relieves our body of acidity, gas troubles and eases the process of digestion. Consuming cumin with hot water helps to improve digestion.

 

6) Helps in Balancing Sleep

As cumin is a relaxant, it thus soothes our body. Some of the components of this seed are also known to having a hypnotic nature. It is known to tranquilize our body, distressing it and relieving us of anxiety. Thus, inducing sleep.

 

7) Fights Cholesterol

If consumed regularly cumin helps in fighting cholesterol. It also helps to control fat.

 

8) Protects Against Cancer

Cumin has a lot of anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties which make it play a significant role in preventing cancer.

 

9) Anti-Fungal Properties

Its antifungal properties help it to be an active ingredient in curing and preventing colds, flu, and fungal infections.

 

10) Other Benefits

• It is often known to regulate menstrual cycles also.
• It helps in loss of weight.
• Use of cumin helps in boosting our memory.

 

Apart from such vast uses most of which are a boon to our immune system, it forms an essential ingredient in almost all Asian cuisines especial Indian, Pakistani and certain middle eastern delicacies.

 

Conclusion

Cumin is a spice most commonly seen in Indian dishes, but due to its aesthetic value, sources suggest its use as a flavoring agent in all delicacies you can think of. In its grounded form it can be added to salads, soups, yogurts and even fruits.

Its consumption usually does not have any side effects, but even without our knowledge it does so much for our body that it can be a part of our diet. Its presence in itself is beneficial for your body functioning and immune system.

Its culinary uses are also vast and form a base for Indian cooking. Its presence adds flavor and a rich aroma to all the delicacies it is added in. It can easily be crowned as the king of the kitchen especially because of the benefits it provides along with the addition of a mouthwatering flavor.