Cumin Seed and Powder Profile

Also known as

Cuminum cyminum, Should not be confused with black cumin, the Chinese medicinal herb, or sweet cumin, better known as fennel, or caraway.

Introduction

Cumin is the seed of a small plant in the parsley family. It was used 5000 years ago by the Egyptians as both a spice and an ingredient in the mummification process. The Greeks and Romans also used cumin and highly regarded it as one of the essential spices. In the Middle Ages cumin seed was thought to promote love and fidelity, so it was carried by attendees of weddings, and soldiers were always sent off to battle with a fresh loaf of cumin seed bread. Pungent, sharp, and slightly sweet, the greenish brown powder of this herb is an essential ingredient in Mexican and Indian cuisine.

Constituents

Cumin contains 2.5 to 4% essential oil. In the essential oil, cumin aldehyde (p-isopropyl-benzaldehyde , 25 to 35%) is dominant, but there are also perilla aldehyde, cumin alcohol, a- and b-pinene (21%), dipentene, p-cymene and b-phellandrene. In toasted cumin fruits, a large number of pyrazines are known to serve as flavor compounds. Alkyl derivatives (particularly, 2,5- and 2,6-dimethyl pyrazine), 2-alkoxy-3-alkylpyrazines seem to be the key compounds (2-ethoxy-3-isopropyl pyrazine, 2-methoxy-3-sec-butyl pyrazine, 2-methoxy-3-methyl pyrazine). Also a sulfur compound, 2-methylthio-3-isopropyl pyrazine, was found. These compounds are also found in toasted (but not fresh) fennel and coriander seed.

Parts Used

The fruits ("seeds"), whole or ground, fresh or toasted.

Typical Preparations

Most often used in cooking, can be added to other herbs in teas, tinctures, or encapsulations.

Summary

According to the Bible, cumin was so valuable that it could be used in the place of money when it came time to tithe in church.

Precautions

Ground cumin should be kept in an air-tight container. Add to cooking in moderation; the pungency of cumin can overwhelm other flavors in a dish. Be forewarned that cumin stimulates the appetite and may increase lactation in nursing mothers.

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.