Cumin (Jeera)

Cumin (Jeera)

Cumin is one of the most typical spices for India and is fried or roasted or powdered before usage.

Anaemia - Cumin seeds contain a good amount of iron [100g of cumin contain approximately 11.7 mg of iron].

Common cold - Antiseptic properties of cumin can help fight flu, by boosting your immune system. A cup of warm tea [2-3 times a day] boiled with cumin seeds, ginger and honey, can give great relief.

Digestion - You will commonly find people popping in Jeera Goli after meals, but did you know it works well for digestive disorders? Cumin helps control flatulence, stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhoea, nausea and morning sickness. Thymol — a compound in cumin — further activates gastric secretion which improves digestion.

Helps fight cancer and in the treatment of piles due to its fibre content, anti-fungal, laxative and carminative properties.

Jeera helps to strengthen nails and hair, making hair shiny and glossy.

Kidney functioning is improved with the consumption of cumin seeds [increased secretion and discharge of urine].

Lactation - Cumin is a galactogogue i.e. a substance which increases milk flow in nursing mothers [due to the presence of Thymol].

Metabolism - Cumin increases the body heat making metabolism more efficient.

Nutrient assimilation is usually triggered in the presence of cumin, due to its effect on enzyme secretions.

Uses

Cumin is widely used to flavor stews, soups, dal, rasam, meats, fish dishes and vegetables

Cumin seeds are part of Bengali spice mixture panch phoron,

Roasted cumin seeds powder is added to buttermilk to aid digestion and enhance flavour.
Freshly roasted and ground jeera powder can be added  to the flour used for making chapatis

JEERA RICE

Ingredients:

1 cup Basmati rice                       
2 tsp Jeera (cumin seeds)
3 Whole peppercorns
2 Bay leafs
3 Cloves
2 Cinnamon sticks
1 Onions, sliced
1 tbsp Ghee
Salt To Taste

Method

• Wash the rice and soak in water for half an hour.
• Heat ghee in a heavy saucepan add onions , bayleafs, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cumin seeds, peppercorns to the same ghee and fry for a while.
• Add the rice , salt, water and stir. Cover with a lid and simmer the flame. Cook until the rice is done.
• Serve jeera rice hot with any spicy curry or raita.