Cumin seeds are called herbs, which belongs to the family of parsley. In appearance and taste it resembles caraway seeds, but has a more pungent taste with slight resinous tinge and a pronounced nutty flavor. In cooking, generally use ground cumin or dried seeds.

In what dishes you can add cumin



Homeland cumin is Egypt and the countries of the East – where the seasoning is very popular and is used for cooking a variety of dishes and even drinks. Zira is almost always added to braised or roasted meat, because it goes well with any poultry or lamb. And of course, without the seasonings it is impossible to imagine real pilaf, where it can be used together with the equally fragrant barberry.


In India cumin is a constant component of many vegetable dishes and stews of beans. They also flavor the rice and some varieties of Dutch cheeses. In Turkish cuisine, cumin is used to prepare various marinades, such as cabbage or eggplant. It also add all the meats and rice. And in Central Asia this seasoning is often a part of sausage products of horse meat, samosas or meat gravy.
To unleash the full flavor and aroma of cumin, it is recommended that its seeds are lightly fried before adding to the dish.


In addition, the cumin is perfect for cooking various sauces for meat and fish dishes. It blends well, for example, with red pepper, coriander and fennel. And sauces with the addition of cumin can be placed not only on the basis of tomato paste, but on the sour-milk. Therefore, this seasoning is used in Latin American countries and Mexico.

In European cuisine Zira decided to add in fish and vegetable dishes, including soups. It is used for making homemade pickles and other canned products, including jams from apples or various berries. This seasoning is also great for roasting potatoes or carrots.
A small amount of cumin can be added to green or black tea. It will give the drink a more interesting and rich taste.


Useful properties of cumin and contraindications for use



In ancient times, cumin has been prized for medicinal properties. It has beneficial effects on digestion and prevents the development of some diseases of the heart and respiratory tract. This spice is also able to reduce inflammation in the body and helps to normalize the metabolism.

Meanwhile, Zira is not recommended if you are hypersensitive to this condiment. Able to harm it and those suffering from any inflammation in the stomach, and duodenal ulcers.