Cumin

Cumin is one of the spices I use most in my cooking and I absolutely love the flavour it adds to recipes.  It has been used in traditional cuisines in the Mediterranean, Asia, China, India and the Middle East.

Cumin Seeds

This humble spice has a long list of health giving properties as follows:

• very high in iron
• contains vitamin C, vitamin A and essential oils
• contains B vitamins and Vitamin E
• high in dietary fibre
• anti-microbial and anti-fungal
• contains potassium, calcium, manganese, selenium and copper
• disinfectant properties
• contains flavanoids

Cumin Plant

Traditionally this spice has been used for the following:

• aids digestive health
• assists liver detox
• natural laxative, can help with constipation
• enhances immunity
• improves respiratory health
• decongestive
• can treat flatulence
• can assist in ridding the body of intestinal worms
• can fight cancer
• improves memory
• treats insomnia
• can be used to ward off a cold
• stimulates metabolism, increases heat in the body
• aids with nutrient assimilation
• can be used to treat anaemia
• helpful for skin disorders
• can be used to treat boils
• stimulates menstural cycle
• assists hair and nail health

Ground or powdered cumin

Be sure to choose quality when purchasing cumin.  Ideally, invest in a spice grinder and buy the seeds, as powdered cumin doesn't have a very long shelf life.  I admit this is advice I have yet to take myself.  If you do buy powdered cumin be sure to store it in a cool, dark place.

Recipes using Cumin:

Green Dahl
Indian Spiced Green Vegetables  
Indian Style Spiced Cabbage
Lamb Saag
Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil Soup - coming soon
Mulligatawny Soup
North Indian Chicken Curry
Okra with Shallots
Pumpkin Roasted with Cumin and Sesame Seeds
Quick and Easy Vegetable Pilaf
Rice with Quinoa, Tomato and Cumin
Spiced Almonds
Spiced Cabbage
Tomato and Chickpea Salad