Cumin powder

What is cumin?

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

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

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

Harvesting cumin

Cumin is harvested 3 to 4 months after sowing.

It is known that the time of harvesting has arrived when the seeds turn grey-brown. To dry them, it is advisable to cut the stems and hold them upside down.

Cumin seeds are on average 1 to 1.5 cm long. They are ground into 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. Seeds are perfect for spice bread or cheese. Cumin powder is mainly used in simmered dishes.

The origins of cumin

The first traces of cumin date back to the time of the Pharaohs. At that time, the seeds were placed in the tombs. It is said that cumin was the favorite spice of King Solomon.

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

Cumin has long been considered a drug. Women in harems in India smoked it with other spices such as cardamom and clovesfle. In high doses, its essential oil actually has proven narcotic effects

Other uses of cumin powder

Cumin is a spice with many benefits. It is believed to have properties:

• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic
• Diuretic
• 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 yogurt or compote before going to sleep. For pregnant women, a little cumin in yogurt for breakfast would reduce morning sickness.

How to use cumin powder in cooking?

Freshly ground cumin is very aromatic, and if not carefully measured out, its presence will overpower the other flavors in your dish. Be careful not to be too heavy-handed.

Cumin is one of the main spices used in the composition of massala or massalé as well as the colombo spice blend. It is used to flavor 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: gruyere, gouda or edam with cumin.

Cumin will work wonders in simmered dishes and in dishes with tomato sauce and sunny vegetables, like shakshuka.

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

Try also the méchouia 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 hot spices such as harissa or chili.

Idea: Sprinkle it 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 menu full of flavor!

The starter: Moroccan salad with cumin

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

The dish: Royal Sauerkraut

Choucroute royale is a traditional dish that Alsatians are proud of! Cumin brings an exotic note to this family dish. While cumin seeds are usually the most common flavoring for 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

Are you more of a cheese person than a dessert person? Slip a cumin cheese specialty onto your cheese platter. You can also prepare goat cheese balls with cumin powder. Choose a goat cheese spread, sprinkle with a little cumin powder and create cheese balls with a small spoon. Amazing!

How to store cumin powder?

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