Cumin is Not Always a Fan-Favorite, But it is Integral to Many Types of Cuisine - And So Tasty!
The verdict is in: cumin is definitely not known as everyone's cup of tea. Opinions on this spice are strong and it is one of those dividing "love it or hate it" ingredients. With it, our dishes achieve an earthy, spicy taste. Without it, we wouldn't have the bulk of Indian, Mexican or Middle Eastern cuisines.
Cumin can lean to the bitter side of the spectrum when it comes to flavor profile. When choosing your spice, ensure that the whole seeds have been toasted so that you can get the maximum amount of flavor and stretch the lifespan of your spice rack. Cumin can be earthy, and its bitterness is counteracted by a hint of sweetness that can be very pleasing to the tastebuds.
So, what makes cumin such a great addition to your foods? Besides its flavor profile, this spice has some detailed health benefits attached to it. It has been known to aid your body in the digestion process by increasing bile production. (Yum!) It has been suggested that it increases the movement of digestive proteins, and regular enjoyment of cumin has been known to help reduce IBS symptoms. (Win!)
Cumin is a beautifully rich source of iron, supporting the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin. Both compounds are important in the process of delivering oxygen to various parts of the human body. It also supports the production of hormones. Since iron deficiency is such a common issue - especially in adults - turning to this spice regularly in the kitchen could be incredibly beneficial. Some components of cumin have been shown to reduce advanced glycation end products, which torment our bodies and cause damage to your kidneys, nerves, eyes, and more. Cumin may help reduce cholesterol and regulate blood sugar as well, benefitting diabetic patients.⠀
Traditionally, cumin may have been used so highly in the regions it’s found in because of its antimicrobial properties. Cumin - along with many other spices - has been studied in connection to the reduction of risk when it comes to food-borne illnesses. Cumin extracts inhibit inflammation, so it is a highly sought-after anti-inflammatory. (Just like our favorite spice… sumac!)⠀⠀
The verdict is in: cumin is definitely not known as everyone's cup of tea. Opinions on this spice are strong and it is one of those dividing "love it or hate it" ingredients. With it, our dishes achieve an earthy, spicy taste. Without it, we wouldn't have the bulk of Indian, Mexican or Middle Eastern cuisines.
Cumin can lean to the bitter side of the spectrum when it comes to flavor profile. When choosing your spice, ensure that the whole seeds have been toasted so that you can get the maximum amount of flavor and stretch the lifespan of your spice rack. Cumin can be earthy, and its bitterness is counteracted by a hint of sweetness that can be very pleasing to the tastebuds.
So, what makes cumin such a great addition to your foods? Besides its flavor profile, this spice has some detailed health benefits attached to it. It has been known to aid your body in the digestion process by increasing bile production. (Yum!) It has been suggested that it increases the movement of digestive proteins, and regular enjoyment of cumin has been known to help reduce IBS symptoms. (Win!)
Cumin is a beautifully rich source of iron, supporting the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin. Both compounds are important in the process of delivering oxygen to various parts of the human body. It also supports the production of hormones. Since iron deficiency is such a common issue - especially in adults - turning to this spice regularly in the kitchen could be incredibly beneficial. Some components of cumin have been shown to reduce advanced glycation end products, which torment our bodies and cause damage to your kidneys, nerves, eyes, and more. Cumin may help reduce cholesterol and regulate blood sugar as well, benefitting diabetic patients.⠀
Traditionally, cumin may have been used so highly in the regions it’s found in because of its antimicrobial properties. Cumin - along with many other spices - has been studied in connection to the reduction of risk when it comes to food-borne illnesses. Cumin extracts inhibit inflammation, so it is a highly sought-after anti-inflammatory. (Just like our favorite spice… sumac!)⠀⠀
As always, Burlap and Barrel stocks our favorite cumin. Cumin seeds - especially fresher, single-origin spices like those from Burlap - are not like your common grocery store cumin powder. The seeds burst into flavor when consumed, instead of having the flavor interspersed and settled into the other ingredients in your dish. If cumin hasn’t been your thing in the past, this is a different animal entirely. Whether you are enjoying Chili, tamales, curries, or any other variety of dish… the flavor is heightened - as well as the health benefits - with a dash (or way more!) of this interesting spice.⠀