Cumin — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 6, 2024
Nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 375 kcal
| Nutrition per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 44 g | 16% |
| Fiber | 11 g | 39.29% |
| Sugars | 2 g | 4% |
| Glycemic Index | 5 | - |
| Protein | 18 g | 36% |
| Sodium | 168 mg | 7.3% |
| Total Fat | 22 g | 28.21% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
11 g
✅ High Fiber Content
18 g
🧀 Good Protein Content
Key takeaways
Health benefits
- Rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which help protect the body from free radicals and reduce inflammation.
- Supports digestive health by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and reducing symptoms of indigestion and bloating.
- Contains antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off infections and improve overall health.
- May improve blood sugar control, supporting overall metabolic health.
- Provides essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, which supports energy production and overall health.
Health risks
- Potential for allergic reactions in some individuals, causing symptoms like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, particularly in those allergic to plants in the Apiaceae family.
- Risk of digestive irritation such as heartburn or stomach discomfort when consumed in large quantities, especially in individuals with sensitive stomachs.
- Possible interaction with medications such as blood thinners, as cumin can have mild anticoagulant effects, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Risk of contamination with mold or other toxins if cumin is not properly stored, which can pose health risks.
How to choose cumin
Cumin seeds or powder should have a potent, earthy aroma when smelled. The color should be uniformly brown without any grayish tone. Crush a few seeds between your fingers to release their distinctive scent, confirming their potency.
Pass over cumin that smells stale or looks clumpy, as it may have lost its essential oils and flavor. Quality cumin should impart a rich depth to dishes, recognizable by its warm, spicy notes.
How to store cumin
Cumin should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. A spice cabinet away from heat is ideal for preserving its flavor and aroma. Properly stored, cumin can last up to a year.
Heat and moisture can reduce the potency of cumin. Avoid storing it near the stove or in humid areas. Sealing the container tightly helps maintain its freshness and prevents contamination.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Cumin can last for 2-3 years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Ground cumin loses its potency faster and should be used within 6 months to 1 year.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover cumin can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary ways. In the kitchen, ground cumin is a staple spice that adds a warm, earthy flavor to dishes like curries, chili, soups, stews, and roasted vegetables. It’s also a key ingredient in many spice blends, such as taco seasoning and garam masala, and can be used to enhance the flavor of meat marinades and rubs.
Beyond cooking, cumin has several non-culinary uses. Cumin seeds can be brewed into a tea that is traditionally used to help aid digestion and reduce bloating. Cumin can also be used in DIY beauty treatments; for instance, mixing ground cumin with honey and yogurt can create a nourishing face mask that helps to cleanse and detoxify the skin. Additionally, cumin has been used in traditional remedies to help relieve symptoms of colds and respiratory issues when consumed as a tea or added to warm water with honey. Some people also use cumin in natural remedies to help improve sleep by mixing a pinch of ground cumin into warm milk before bedtime.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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