Things your Mother Never told you about Spices Cumin Powder?

Cumin Seeds, an Egyptian native, is widely used in Indian recipes. If you see small, leaf-like seeds with fragrance that influences your foods taste, they are probably Cumin Seeds. Traditionally, cumin seeds were used for Egyptians for medical purposes. Cumin is recognized for its cooking and healing properties.

In Indian and Middle Eastern Continents, cumin seeds are used in powdered form as Cumin Powder. Sterling Groceries, a traditional spices company, offers whole spices, raw spices, and Spices Powder, which is manufactured after going through rigorous quality checks.  They provide an insight into cumin, its uses and benefits.

Uses of Cumin Powder
Traditional Uses

Traditionally, Cumin is used to minimize inflammation, augment urination process, gas prevention, and suppressing muscle spasms. It serves as a remedy for jaundice, indigestion, flatulence, and diarrhea.

Benefits of Cumin Powder

The effects of cumin components may be anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, and larvicidal. The cumin is known to control blood sugar, minimize seizures, and strengthen bones.

·         Provides Iron

The Scientific name for Cumin seeds is Cuminum Cyminum, which are rich in iron.  Iron help keep your immune system healthy.

·         Helps in Digestion

Cumin seeds, since ages, have been used in food for their digestive properties. Research shows that cumin help digest food by stimulating pancreatic enzymes secretion.

·         Helps Prevent Cancer

Cumin Seeds are known to have anti-carcinogenic properties. It helps stimulate secretion of detoxifying and anti-carcinogenic enzymes and contains antioxidants like Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

Other benefits include Curing Piles, remedy for Insomnia and common cold, reducing Respiratory Disorders etc.

How to make Chat Masala at your Home?

If you cook, you can tell the difference between a readymade Chat Masala and a homemade preparation. Many Spice manufacturing companies like Sterling Groceries produce quality spices but homemade preparations have a distinct taste and fragrance.

Making Chat Masala at home is easy than you think. We tell you the basics ingredients and method for home preparation of the spice powder.



Ingredients (make for 3-4 cups) (courtesy: ecurry.com)

·         4 tablespoon Coriander Seeds

·         4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder

·         1.5 teaspoon carom seeds

·         2.5-3 tablespoon black salt/Kala Namak/rock salt

·         5 red dried chilies, stems removed

·         3 teaspoon dried mango powder/Amchur

·         A very generous pinch of Hing/Asafoetida (about 1/4 teaspoon)

·         1/2 teaspoon dried ginger powder

·         1.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

·         1 teaspoon dried mint (optional)

·         2-3 teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder/paprika (optional, for a nice bright color)

Method
Step 1: Roasting
For a start, roast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and carom seeds at low flame. After few minutes, check out for an aromatic fragrance and darker shade of the seeds.

Step 2: Cooling
If you feel, the seeds are warm enough, remove them from the flame and let cool. Make sure, you do not cool the mixture below room temperature.

Step 3: Grinding
Grind them collectively till they are densely powdered.

Some more things to remember

·         Preparation time: 5-10 minutes

·         Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes

·         Serves: Make for 3-4 cups

·         Shelf Life: For (freshness and fragrance) Use within a month or otherwise, they can be edible for months.

Variations of taste
Individual’s tastes vary, so it is suggested that quantity of the ingredients must be chosen according to one’s taste.