Cumin is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native from the east Mediteranian to east India. It seeds, in ground form are used in the cuisine of many different cultures. The flower of cumin is small, white or pink, and borne in umbels. Although the small cumin seed looks rather unassuming, it packs a punch when it comes to flavor, which can be described as penetrating and peppery with slight citrus overtones.
It has since returned to favor in parts of Europe; today it is mostly grown in Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, India, Syria, Mexico, and Chile. The plant occurs as a rare casual in the British Isles, mainly in southern England, but the frequency of its occurrence has declined greatly; according to the Botanical Society of the British Isles' most recent Atlas, there has been only one confirmed record since the year 2000.
There are some benefits for cumin, such as:
1. Iron for Energy and Immune Function: Cumin seeds, whose scientific name is Cuminum cyminum, are a very good source of iron, a mineral that plays many vital roles in the body.
2. Seeds of Good Digestion: Cumin seeds have traditionally been noted to be of benefit to the digestive system, and scientific research is beginning to bear out cumin's age-old reputation.
3. Cancer Prevention: In one study, cumin was shown to protect laboratory animals from developing stomach or liver tumors. This cancer-protective effect may be due to cumin's potent free radical scavenging abilities as well as the ability it has shown to enhance the liver's detoxification enzymes. Yet, since free radical scavenging and detoxification are important considerations for the general maintenance of wellness, cumin's contribution to wellness may be even farther reaching. Cumin can be used ground or as whole seeds. Cumin may helps to add an earthy and warming feeling to cooking, making it a staple in certain stews and soups, as well as curries and chili.
4. In South Asia: Cumin tea (dry seeds boiled in hot water) is used to distinguish false labor (due to gas) from real labor.
5. In Sri Lanka: Toasting cumin seeds and then boiling them in water makes a tea used to soothe acute stomach problems.
6. People in parts of South Asia: Commonly believe cumin seeds help with digestion. Some scientific evidence suggests cumin may aid digestion by stimulating enzymes to break down foods.
So, if you know already about cumin benefits, just add to your recipe whatever you want to cook. Be a good chef using cumin seeds for your customer and relative. Just tell to a million people what you see regarding the cumin benefits.