Monday, June 9, 2008

Cumin Seeds (Jeera)


Cumin is an annual herbaceous plant native to Eastern Mediterranean region and is popularly used for food flavoring, aroma. The seeds of the plant are used in whole or powdered form in food processing industry.
Indian Name: JeeraBotanical Name: Cuminum cyminumFamily Name: ApiaceaeParts Used: SeedsHabitat: Mediterranean Region

India is the largest producer and consumer of cumin. The annual production ranged between 1.5 lakh metric tonnes to 2 lakh metric tonnes. The seeds are exported to Japan, Brazil, US, UK, UAE etc. Rajasthan and Gujarat are the two main producing areas of cumin, contributing 90% to the total cumin production. A significant percentage of the total production is used for domestic consumption.
Cumin is widely used in traditional and herbal medicinal system for being a natural stimulant, carminative and having antimicrobial properties.
It is also used for flavoring dishes, biscuits, confectionery and other spicy products. It is also used in different industries for its essential oil.

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