Cumin is one of the most widely used spices in India and other Asian countries. The scientific name of cumin is Cuminum cyminum. Cumin is actually the dried fruit of a tall shrub-like plant that grows in hot, tropical climates. Cumin has a warm and pleasant aroma and taste. All around the world, cumin seeds are used for culinary purposes – especially in tropical countries. Apart from its warm aroma and flavor, cumin also has a number of health benefits. Cumin is the most popular spice in many countries, including India, Middle Eastern countries, North Africa, Morocco, North East Africa, and China.
In 2019, India produced a total of 600 thousand metric tons of cumin seeds. Cumin is cultivated over one million hectors of land in India.
A one exports is a leading cumin exporter in India. India is the largest producer of cumin seeds in the world. We collaborate with farmers to ensure the highest standards in cultivation and the harvest of cumin seeds. Post-harvest, the cumin seeds go under a vigorous cleaning and sifting process. Later, a variety of quality checks are performed on the cumin seeds.
A one exports guarantee high-quality cumin with low moisture, contamination, and ash content. Also, our cumin is machine cleaned and sorted to minimize contaminations (please refer to the table below).
Uses of Cumin Seeds
Cumin is a magic spice that has a myriad of benefits. While its warm aroma and uplifting flavor make it a favorite in the kitchen, cumin also has medicinal benefits. Cumin can be used in various forms - as a whole seed, ground powder, or in oil form. Here are a few popular uses of cumin.
In cooking: In India and most of the tropical countries, cumin occupies an essential position in the spice rack. In India, cumin is used in almost every dish, both savory and sweet. It gives a warm and uplifting taste to the food and makes the flavors pop. Cumin is an integral part of most of the curry powders in India. Even though cumin is used primarily as a savory ingredient in vegetables, fish, and meat, it is also used in certain desserts.
In beverages: Cumin is used in most of the south Indian homes to provide taste and aroma to the drinking water. Drinking cumin infused water reduces the chances of gastric problems. Whole cumin also could be consumed directly to relieve the symptoms of gastric problems.
Apart from the plain boiled water, cumin seeds used in India in a variety of beverages, the popular among them is “Jaljeera” In India, this popular beverage is consumed throughout the summer season. Modern restaurants are discovering new and inventive ways of incorporating cumin into their menu.
Medicinal Uses: From ancient times, cumin is used as a medicine. Cumin has multiple health benefits.
- Cumin oil is a natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial. Cumin also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cumin seeds are great for stomach related health issues.
- Cumin seeds are a rich source of natural antioxidants like apigenin and luteolin. These substances prevent the damage of healthy body cells caused by free radicals.
- Studies show that cumin has the capacity to prevent cancer. Cumin slows down the multiplication of cancer cells.
In countries like India, cumin is also a part of the culture and some rituals.
Why is cumin aromatic?
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) has a distinctive aroma due to the presence of volatile oils. In Indian varieties of cumin seeds, the volatile oil is present up to 2.5% to 3.5%. As cumin seeds get stale or old, this volatile oil content is gradually reduced, and the potency of cumin decreases. Hence, it’s important to keep cumin seeds in an airtight container.
Best practices in storage and use of cumin seeds
- Cumin seeds have their strong aroma due to the presence of the volatile oils. Once the package is opened, cumin seeds should be transferred into an airtight container. Constant with the atmosphere will reduce the potency of cumin seeds.
- The whole cumin seeds are best to retain the flavor and aroma of cumin. Once the cumin is powdered, it should be stored with extra care. Powdering cumin only as required, is the best practice.
- It’s important to heat up the cumin for its flavors to release. Either dry roast or sauté the cumin seeds in oil to release its aroma.
- Dampness will highly reduce the quality of cumin and increase the chance of mold formation. Hence, only dry equipment should be used to handle cumin seeds.
Cultivation of cumin seeds
India is the worlds’ largest producer of cumin seeds. Cumin seeds normally grow in hot regions. In India, Gujarat and Rajasthan are the two states that produce the highest quantity of cumin seeds. The best cumin is cultivated in regions with low humidity and moderate rainfall.
The ideal time for starting cumin cultivation is around November- December. Normally, the cumin plants mature in 120-140 days. Cumin seeds are normally harvested around February or March. Cumin grows best in well-drained lands. There are different varieties of cumin plants.
Signs of good quality cumin
- Good cumin seeds have a color varying from light grey to dark brown. They are oval in shape.
- Good cumin seeds will have a strong yet pleasant aroma. If the seeds don’t smell strong, it means they are old.
- Cumin shouldn’t feel damp or moist. According to standards, the moisture content in cumin must be less than 10%
- Cumin can be delivered in different forms – whole, broken, or powdered. The whole cumin shouldn’t have broken pieces or dust.
- Cumin should be 100% free from any live insects
- Good quality cumin shouldn’t have excess contamination like pebbles, silica, sand, and other edible/nonedible seeds.
- The total Ash content in the cumin seeds should be within the permissible levels.
A-One Exports quality assurance
We will deliver only high-quality cumin seeds that are fresh and free from any type of contamination. We have strict methods to clean and sort the cumin seeds, which will guarantee that only top-quality cumin seeds will be packed for export. We also provide a cost-effective price that is highly affordable. We maintain the data of the farmers to make sure from which farm the cumin seeds have come.
To maintain our quality standards, we help the farmers with the following agriculture assistance. We also give the best prices to our farmers to ensure they deliver only the best quality cumin seeds.
- Soil analysis to make sure high-quality cumin can be cultivated.
- Seed selection to get the best variety of cumin seeds.
- Help with preventing pests and weeds in the plantation.
- Guidance for harvest and handling the cumin seeds after harvest.
Our cumin seeds go through several rounds of quality checks before being packaged.
A-One Exports cumin seeds specifications
Parameter |
Levels |
| Admixture | 1% Max |
| Purity | 99% Min |
| Flavor | Aromatic, strong flavor |
| Moisture | 9% Max |
| Volatile oil | 2% Min |
A One Exports cumin seeds other specifications
Parameter |
Specifications |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Harvest Time | February/March |
| Bag Type | Laminated |
| Labeling | As per buyers needs |
| Cleaning | Color Sortex Cleaned/ Machine cleaned |
| Shelf Life | 24 months |
| GMO | Free from all modifications |
*Detailed specification will be available on request.