Cumin seeds

Introduction
Cumin is an East Indian plant with many flowers that is abundantly found here. The finely ground form of cumin seeds are used in cuisines. These seeds give exotic flavor, aroma and taste to the foods of different cultures. This spice of Indian is also known for its health benefits all over the world.

Cumin is hand harvested herb that is usually 30-50cm tall. It is yellowish brown plant with 5-10 cm long leaves and thread-like leaflets. It has the flowers of pink or white color that gives the fruit with single seed of oblong shape, yellow-brown in hue, long and grooved. These dried seeds of cumin herbs are collected, ground, made the powder of them and used as spice in the cuisines.

Background of Cumin Seeds
The cultivation and use of cumin seeds is not new as the evidences of history shows that the oldest countries like Syria and Egypt have been found using the cumin seeds. So, the history of cumin seeds is as old as these countries are. In Middle Ages, Europe lost their taste for cumin seeds, except Malta and Spain. The plant of Cumin was brought to America by Portuguese and Spanish colonists.

Now it is gaining fame again among the European countries and other part of the world like Mexico, Morocco, Tajikistan, India, Iran, Chile, Uzbekistan, Syria, Turkey and Egypt. These countries are not only using cumin but also growing its plant frequently.

Exciting Ancient Significance of Cumin seeds
In Middle Ages, cumin seeds was believed to have a power to keep the lover and chickens from wandering. It was also considered the guarantee of newly wedded groom and bride's happy life so they were advised to keep cumin seeds throughout their wedding function.

Consumptions of cumin seeds
The spices of India are used and liked almost throughout the world. Cumin is one of these spices that are regularly used in the cuisines of France, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Cuba, Nepal, etc. It is usually used in cheese formation.

Cumin seeds as a best Remedy
Cumin seeds act like a medicine that is used for various purposes like its tea is taken to separate real labor from false labor due to gas trouble. It is also consumed for some many other diseases.

If you toast cumin seeds and boil them to have its tea, you will get rid of many stomach disorders. The combination of cumin powder with rock salt and asafetida is best medicine for indigestion and stomach pain. Cumin is also renowned for improving blood circulation and relieving the retention of fluids. Its usage is equally useful for muscle pain, arthritis, headaches and stiffness.

Nutritional Value
Cumin seeds have good nutritional value. It provides great percentage of iron so; the people with iron deficiency can use it to get energy. It can also be used as food supplement.

Cumin seeds and cuisines
It is known for its instigating aroma and good flavor for which is selected as an essential ingredient of almost every dish.Cumin seeds or powder is also used in chutneys, curries and pickles to flavor them. It changes the taste of every dish and makes it more pleasing and mouthwatering. You can also dust it on every food and for this purpose you should blend cumin powder with pepper powder and put on your dining table at meal times.