Cumin powder

What is cumin?

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is a herbaceous plant mainly cultivated in India, the Mediterranean basin or Central Europe.

It gives white pinkish white fleurs grouped in umbels each of which produces two seeds. It is its long and fine light brown fruits that are used, whole or ground. Also called false anise or false dill, cumin has long, straight and greenish seeds

David Vanille's choice: I have chosen to present this Syrian cumin for its intensity. Used sparingly, it reinvents your everyday cooking.

The cumin harvest

Cumin is harvested 3 to 4 months after sowing.

Harvest is known to occur when the seeds turn gray-brown. To dry them, it is advisable to cut the stems and keep them upside down.

Cumin seeds are on average 1 to 1.5 cm long. They are ground to give the cumin powder.

The differences between cumin powder and cumin seeds

Both intense in taste, the main difference between cumin seeds and cumin powder lies in their use. The seeds are perfect for adding to gingerbread or cheese. Powdered cumin is mainly used in stews.

The origins of cumin

The first traces of cumin date back to the era of the Pharaohs. At that time, the seeds were put in tombs. Cumin is said to have been King Solomon's favorite spice.

The Arabs used it as an aphrodisiac, mixed with honey and black pepper.

Cumin was long considered a drug. Women in the harems of India smoked it with other spices such as cardamom and nails from girofle. In high doses, its essential oil has proven narcotic effects

Other uses of cumin powder

Cumin is a spice whose benefits are numerous. It is believed to have a number of properties:

• Antalgic
• Anti-inflammatories
• Antispasmodics
• Diuretics
• Anticholesterol

Rich in iron, magnesium and phosphorus, it is an essential element of Ayurvedic medicine. To promote sleep, take a little cumin powder mixed in yoghurt or compote before going to sleep. For pregnant women, a little cumin in yoghurt at breakfast would reduce morning sickness.

How to use cumin powder in cooking?

Freshly ground cumin is very aromatic, and if it is not dosed carefully, its presence will dominate the other aromas in your dish. Be careful not to have too heavy a hand.

Cumin is one of the key spices found in the composition of massala or massalé as well as in the colombo spice blend. It is used to flavour many oriental dishes such as curries, tagines, couscous, falafels..

It can also spice up Latin American dishes such as tortillas, chili con carne... Several cheese specialties with cumin are also to be discovered: gruyère, gouda or cumin edam.

Cumin will work wonders in simmered dishes and in dishes with tomato sauce and sun vegetables, such as shakshuka.

Add a spoonful of cumin powder to your salads, especially to season grated carrots or chickpea salads.

Also try the mechouia salad, made with candied vegetables or Moroccan-style carrots, cooked in slices and served cold marinated in oil and cumin. Cumin goes very well with spicy spices such as harissa or chilli pepper.

Tip: Sprinkle some on your olives along with a little parsley and a spoonful of oil to obtain "Moroccan-style" olives.

Our recipe ideas with cumin

To take advantage of the exceptional aromas of our Syrian cumin, we have concocted a high-flavoured menu for you!

The starter: Moroccan salad with cumin

Moroccan cold starters are an opportunity to discover spices with intense flavours. Cumin is one of them. It is a wonderful addition to a carrot or orange salad.

The dish: Royal sauerkraut

Royal sauerkraut is a traditional dish of which Alsatians are proud! Cumin brings an exotic note to this family dish. Although cumin seeds are usually used to flavour sauerkraut, a quarter teaspoon of powdered cumin also works wonders. Add a little white wine to your raw sauerkraut and simmer for 4 hours.

Dessert: Spiced cheese platter

You're more cheese than dessert? Slide a cumin cheese specialty onto your cheese board. You can also make goat cheese balls with cumin powder. To do this, choose a goat cheese spread, sprinkle with a little cumin powder and create cheese balls with a small spoon. Surprising!

How do you store powdered cumin?

Place your cumin sachet in an airtight box. Keep it dry and away from light.