Cuminium cyminum. Most of the annual tonnage is produced in Iran, Spain and Egypt.
Cumin seeds yield 3% of oil on steam distillation. Demand is steady in the major markets in Europe.
The major component of cumin seed oil is typically:
33% of cuminic aldehydes (sweet, spicy, cumin)
Cumin seed oil is not easy to adulterate because some important components are not available synthetically.
The main use of the oil is in seasoning blends, especially curry, and also in some natural citrus and other fruit flavors.
There are no legal restrictions on the use of cumin oil in flavorings.
The most important products are the dried seeds used as a spice and the essential oil used for flavoring. Cumin seed has a strong and persistent aromatic odour, with a hot spicy and somewhat bitter taste.
It is a major ingredient in curry powders specialty bakery products, processed meat products, pickles, soup, salad dressings, etc.
The seeds have along been considered as a stimulant and carminative and are used for urinary and gastric troubles.
Cumin is widely used in traditional medicine to treat flatulence digestive disorders, diarrhea and wounds, possibly because of antimicrobial properties.
The essential oil is used as a stimulant, antispasmodic, carminative, aphrodisiac and has a light anesthetic action. It has also uses as a fungicide, insecticide and in veterinary medicine.
Cumin Seed
