Luffa (Luffa cylindrica
(L.) Roem syn L.
aegyptiaca Mill)
commonly
called sponge gourd,
loofah, vegetable
sponge, bath sponge or
dish cloth gourd, is a
member of cucurbitaceous
family. Nepalese
farmers called it
Ghiraula _llww//ff}}nnff-.
The number of species in
the
genus Luffa varies from
5 to 7. Only two species
L. cylindrica and
ribbed or ridge gourd
(L. acutangula (L.) Roxb)
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Introduction to
Cumin Seeds
Cumin, also known as
'jeera' in India, is
a widely used
ingredient in Indian
cuisines. It is
referred to as the
dried seed of 'Cuminum
cyminum' that
belongs to the
parsley family.
Cumin seeds are
derived from the
plant of cumin, a
herbaceous annual
plant, that has
slender branched
stems about 30 cm
tall. Cumin seeds
are a popular form
of spice that are
known for their
aroma and are used
in Indian,
Pakistani, Cuban
Mexican cuisine,
etc. Some of the
major market players
of cumin seeds are
Iran, India, Syria,
Pakistan and Turkey.
Description of Cumin
Seeds
Scientifically known
as 'Cuminum cyminum',
cumin seeds are
oblong in shape with
deep furrows and are
yellowish brown in
colour. These
seeds find
similarity with
anise and fennel
seeds in terms of
their appearance
but are slightly
darker in colour.
Its flavour is
peppery and
penetrating, thus
making it a widely
used spice
throughout India,
Sri Lanka, Mexico
and several other
parts of the
world. In fact,
they resemble a
lot like caraway
seeds.
The two major
types of cumin
seeds found in the
market are white
cumin seeds and
the black cumin
seeds. The white
cumin seeds are
the most commonly
found seeds that
are used in
cuisines. However,
the black cumin
seeds are smaller
in shape than the
white one and also
have a sweet
aroma.
History of Cumin
Seeds
Cumin seeds are a
native of Egypt and
are about 5000 years
old. They were used
by Pharaohs in many
forms such as food
spice as well as to
mummify the deceased
kings. Later, the
Greek and the Roman
traders brought this
spice to their
nations, using it as
a medicine. They
were also used as a
cosmetic to induce a
pale complexion!!!
In Rome, cumin seeds
were used to replace
the expensive forms
of pepper. In the
Bible, cumin is
referred to as a
form of payment or
"tithe" given to
priests.
Health Benefits of
Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds are a
very good source of
relieving digestive
disorders. They are
largely helpful in
curing indigestion,
nausea, diarrhea,
etc. As the seeds of
cumin are rich in
antiseptic
properties, they
also help in
reliving common
cold. Research has
also found the
presence of
anti-carcinogenic
properties in cumin
seeds that help in
preventing stomach
or liver tumors.
Cumin seeds are also
a rich source of
iron, a vital
nutrient that helps
in keeping the
immune system healthy
and strong. It is
particularly
beneficial for
menstruating women
who have a tendency
to lose iron during
the menstruating
period.
Folklore Associated
with Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds were not
only a popular form
of spices, but were
also considered to
ward off evil
happenings. It was a
belief that if cumin
seeds were kept
throughout a wedding
ceremony, both the
bride and the groom
will have a very
happy married life.
According to a
superstitious
belief, during the
Middle Ages, cumin
seeds were believed
to have kept the
chicken as well as
lovers from
wandering.
Recipe for Making
Cumin Rice
Cumin rice is a
popular north Indian
vegetarian cuisine
that ideally serves
the dual purpose of
taste and health.
For preparing cumin
rice, the following
ingredients are
used:
2 cups of Basmati
rice
4 cups of water
2 teaspoon of
cumin seeds
1 tablespoon ghee
Salt and lime
juice as per taste
Method
In
a heavy bottomed
vessel, put ghee and
heat it on a medium
level for at least 2
minutes. Then, add
cumin seeds and fry
them for at least 2
minutes till they
start to splutter.
As they are
spluttering, add
rice, lime juice,
water & salt and mix
them well. Boil this
mixture on a high
heat. Cover the
vessel and cook it a
low heat for at
least 15 minutes
till the time all
the water present
inside evaporates.
Serve hot.