Cumin seeds are a native spice and natural remedy. Here we tell you how to use the spice in your kitchen and as medicine.
Are caraway seeds and cumin the same?
Caraway seeds are popular in German cuisine and are also used as a home remedy for flatulence due to their digestive effect. Caraway seeds, which are native to us, are often confused with cumin. Cumin is particularly popular in Mediterranean, Mexican and Indian cuisine. Although both spices belong to the umbelliferae family, they differ greatly in taste.
You should also not confuse caraway seeds with black cumin. This belongs to the buttercup family and is not related to caraway seeds or cumin. The taste of black cumin is similar to that of black pepper. Cumin seeds, on the other hand, taste mild and slightly sweet.
How to use cumin seeds in the kitchen
Traditionally, caraway seeds belong in bread spices. Not only do they improve the taste of the bread, they also help make it easier to digest. Because of its digestive effect, caraway seeds are also a popular spice for hearty dishes such as sauerkraut, boiled potatoes, goulash and roast goose.
Ground cumin seeds also go very well with salads. Caraway gives yoghurt dressings in particular a more intense aroma. In haute cuisine, the spice is an important ingredient in the brew of lobster and crabs.
Caraway seeds can be combined with many spices, for example with aniseed, fennel, coriander, ginger, pepper, paprika and chili.
Cumin seeds as medicine
Cumin has been known as a natural remedy for a long time. Cumin tea is particularly popular. You can now buy this almost everywhere. However, it is also very easy to make it yourself. All you have to do is pour boiling water over one to two teaspoons of lightly crushed cumin seeds. After ten minutes you can strain the finished tea.
Cumin seeds are known to aid digestion and relieve gas. It also helps with headaches, high blood pressure, toothache and coughs.
Which health effects of caraway seeds have been scientifically proven?
The essential oils it contains are responsible for the positive health effects of caraway seeds. Cumin seeds are scientifically recognized as an important medicinal plant. Studies have shown that they:
have an antimicrobial effect
have an antioxidant effect
can prevent diabetes
have an anti-inflammatory effect
lower blood pressure
improve fertility in women.
Cumin seeds are a local spice that, in addition to having a great taste, is also a recognized medicinal plant. Cumin is therefore a great alternative to the exotic types of spices from East Asia.
