Every spice has its own flavor and essence that make a difference to any cuisine. Cumin is one of the spices that are popularly used across the world. Belonging to the same family as parsley, cumin seeds come from a flowering plant that is also a common herb found in kitchens.
Cumin seeds have a unique flavor and aroma that elevates the taste of several recipes. The seeds can be used in several ways. You can use them in the form of seeds or coarsely crushed or powdered form. Depending upon the requirement of your recipe you can add a little twist. Do you know that many culinary experts prefer using roasted cumin seeds to bring out more flavors? When you grind roasted cumin seeds, you get ground cumin that gives your food a more intense flavor.
The cumin also owes its popularity to its versatility. Whether you use cumin extract or cumin powder, they can add rich flavor and desired depth to your meal. A warm and earthy spice, cumin comes with a touch of citrus flavor.
Although cumin is widely used, not many are aware of its different types. Yes, there are distinct varieties of cumin seeds that vary in their appearance and taste. Knowing about these differences can help you gain the most from this spice!
So, let’s dive into the varieties of cumin seeds!
Cumin cyminum:
The most common cumin that we all use in our kitchen is the yellow-brown seeds. Bearing an oblong shape, and with a ridged cover, these standard cumin seeds resemble caraway seeds and other Parsley family members.
Available in seeds as well as powdered form, the cumin seeds have warming and slightly sweet flavor with a nutty note. You can sprinkle roasted and powder cumin over your salads and raita for a lovely earthy flavor or add it to your stews and soups for a nice depth. Loaded with nutrients, these cumin seeds are also known to be an effective ingredient for improving digestion.
Bitter Cumin seeds or Shahi Jeera:
As the name suggests this cumin has a bitter taste and is a popular traditional spice in Indian culture, with close association with Mughal cuisines and Kashmiri gastronomy. The scientific name given to this cumin variety is Cuminum nigrum or bunium persicum. It has an oblong shape with a pale green to dark green color. It’s a highly flavorful spice that not only adds a touch of royalty to your dishes but also offers health benefits. Be it digestive issues, bloating, or coughing, these seeds can be very effective in treating health issues.
Black cumin seeds:
Also known by the name Nigella Sativa or kalaunji, black cumin seeds look quite different from their counterparts. Dark as charcoal, these are smaller and thinner than most of the other types. The flavor resembles that of oregano, black pepper, and onion taste, which is a combination of sweet and lemony with a tinge of bitterness. Black cumin sometimes is replaced with fennel seeds. Whether you’re making non-veg roasts or stir-fried veggies a spoonful of black cumin is sure to ignite the taste of your dish. It is not only delicious but also a healthy spice known for its amazing health benefits.
Brown cumin seeds:
Brown cumin is very much related to black cumin. However, these brown seeds are bigger and fatter than black cumin seeds and are used in Indian, North African foods, and Mexican cuisine. Having a warm, earthy, and peppery flavor, the seeds can be used even in powdered form to enhance the taste of root vegetables, legumes, grain, etc.
Now that you are aware of the different types of cumin seeds you’ll be able to make the right choice for your recipes. Also, note that getting your stock of cumin seeds from a genuine supplier is equally important as this will not only improve your recipes but also help you with your health issues. Try Organic Products India’s cumin seeds and spices. Grown under natural conditions and with no harmful additions to the products, you can be sure of consuming the best quality cumin seeds. It’s an established brand that is catering to a vast market. To know more about our range connect with us today!
