Cumin powder is prepared from cumin seeds which comes from Apiaceae family which are aromatic flowering plants. They are cultivated in many countries around the world. Cumin is cultivated mainly in India, Syria, Turkey and UAE. India is the largest producer of cumin contributing about 79% of total cumin produced across the world. Cumin is used as a seed as well as in powdered form.
Today we will learn how to prepare cumin powder at home which can be used either in recipes to enhance the flavour or to garnish the accompaniments like raita.
Cumin powder is a commonly used spice in various Indian recipes. In Hindi it is called jeera powder and it is a must in Indian cooking as jeera not only has a nice aroma but it also gives the recipe a smoky flavour. In Indian cooking jeera is added as a whole along with ghee in the beginning which is also known as tempering or tadka which brings out the aroma hidden within the spices. It is a must use ingredient in every chaat as we all must have noticed. In India there are numerous types of chaat and each uses this spice as a garnish to make it even tastier along with other spices.
There are numerous companies these days who prepare their own cumin powder and market them. You may buy readymade cumin powder from the market or prepare it at home by following the steps that I have shared below.
Roasting cumin before grinding
Roasting is an important step to enhance the flavours of cumin powder making it more earthy which also increases the shelf life. Furthermore, roasting reduces the bitterness present in cumin seeds and enhances their flavour. We need to roast them on a low flame else they may burn. After roasting let the roasted cumin cool down completely before grinding.
After they have cooled down make a fine powder and store in it in a clean, dry and an air tight container which helps to keep the flavours intact for a long time.
Benefits of cumin
This ancient spice has been amongst us for thousands of years and is being used even today in Ayurveda to cure numerous problems like bloating, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever etc. I have highlighted some of their major benefits below: -
Good digestive
Jeera water acts as an excellent digestive. It helps to improve the digestion which in turn makes gut healthier.
Tocopherol properties
The tocopherol properties in jeera not only prevents indigestion but also clears toxins by flushing them through our kidneys.
Weight management
Cumin aids in weight loss by boosting one’s metabolism which helps to burn the fat naturally.
Aids in preventing anaemia
Cumin is rich in iron which helps in production of red blood cells. Higher blood cells keeps one energetic throughout the day.
Diabetes
Sudden spike in sugar levels causes high blood pressure. To prevent it cumin water maintains a balances sugar levels by increasing the insulin.
Boosts the immune system
Adding cumin in the diet boosts our immune system which combats against various diseases like common cold and flu.
References: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cumin
Method to prepare cumin powder
Add cumin seeds to the pan.
Dry roast them on medium heat for 2 minutes stirring them continuously.
Once they are hot enough lower the flame completely. They would start giving nice, strong aroma in 2 minutes. After they are roasted, they would change to dark brown.
Switch off the flame let them roast in the hot pan for another 2 minutes stirring continuously.
Let them cool completely. It should take approx. 10 minutes to cool completely.
Add them to a grinder and make fine powder.
Store them in an air tight container.
Conclusion
Cumin comes from Apiaceae family and are cultivated across the globe.
Cumin is known as jeera in Hindi and is an essential spice ingredient in Indian cooking. It is also used as a garnishing ingredient.
0 Comments
Leave your valuable feedback please