Jeera

Cumin Seeds

Botanical Name : Cuminum cyminum L.

Indian Names : Jeera, Jiru, Zeera, Zyur, Jeerakam, Jeregire, Ziragum, Jikaka

Family : Apiaceae

Commercial Part : Fruit

Cumin known as Jeera, is the dried, white fruit with greyish brown colour of a small slender annual herb. It is one of the widely used spices in our day-to-day life. The surface of the fruit has 5 primary ridges, alternatively has 4 less distinct secondary ridges bearing numerous short hairs. The aromatic seed like fruit is slightly bitter and has a warm flavour. Whole Cumin has a distinctive flavour and strong, warm aroma is due to its essential oil content. It is a necessary ingredient of all mixed spices and curry powders. They have its applications worldwide in sectors other than food like beverages, medicines, toiletries and perfumery. NGC Cumin has a good demand in international market and it is exported in both seed form as well as powder form.

Medicinal Value & Use:

In medicines it is used as a Digestive, stomachic, carminative, astringent, anti-inflammatory, constipating, diuretic, revulsive, galactogogue, uterine & nerve stimulant. It has been used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, diarrhoea, indigestion and morning sickness. Cumin seed oil is used in perfumery and for flavouring and cordials.