Spice Nest
What follows is a Spice Nest article that looks at the popular culinary spice Cumin and some of its uses.
Cumin
Cumin (latin name: cuminum cyminum) is an umbelliferous plant that is native to the Levant and Upper Egypt, although it now grows around the world in mamy hot countries, including North Africa, India, China as well as north and south America. The spice cumin is drived from the crushed or powdered dried seeds of the cumin plant, although the seeds may be used whole in some dishes.
Cumin is especially associated with the cuisine of Morocco, where its pungent aroma often smelt in the street cooking of the medinas. Cumin is also a major constituent in Indian cookery (where it is known as jeera) and is a main ingredient in curry powder and garam masala. It is also used in traditional spicy dishes extensively in Far Eastern countries such as China and Thailand as well as many Mediterranean countries such as Spain and Greece. It is also a major culinary flavouring in many Arabic and African cuisines as well as those of Portugal, Mexico (especially in chili con carne), Jamaica and other Caribbean cultures.
Cumin is a strong flavourd spice and so should be used carefully so as not to allow it to overpower a dish. Cumin powder loses its aroma and flavour over time so should always be stored in an airtight jar or container and used within three months of purchase. However, to obtain the best flavour and full aroma, fresh seeds should preferably be used freshly ground in a spice mill or pounded in a mortar and pestle.
In European countries, cumin is used to flavour certain kinds of Portuguese sausages. It is used in spiced cheeses such as German Munster and Dutch Leyden. Cumin is also used as a pickling ingredient for cabbage and Sauerkraut as well as being used in chutneys. Cumin is a familiar spice used in the Middle East for fish dishes, stews and grills. It is used to flavour couscous, semolina steamed over meat and vegetables which is the national dish of Morocco. A refreshing Indian drink, Zeera pani is made from cumin mixed with tamarind water. Caraway mixed with cumin flavours the famous German liquer, Kummel.
Cumin is a digestive spice and helps relieve indigestion, flatulence and dyspepsia.
Janice White
Spice Nest
