Kim

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Kim (Carum carvi) is a specific aromatic spice, which in our country is known as cumin, wild anise, wild fennel. The cumin plant itself is a herbaceous perennial of the Umbelliferae family and a relative of parsley and carrots. Cumin is found in the wild in Europe, Asia and North Africa, as well as in our country, where we can see it growing freely in the meadows of Central and Western Stara Planina, Rila, Rhodopes and others.

Kim reaches at a height of 30 cm, and its leaves resemble those of carrots. The spice we know is actually the fruit of the plant, which is mistakenly called a seed because it looks a lot like it. Cultivated cumin differs from wild cumin because it is grown as a biennial plant.

The seeds are sown directly in the open between May and September, mainly in places with good sunshine. The fruits of cultivated cumin are ready for consumption next year. In addition, Eastern European cumin is characterized by relatively small fruits, and Dutch cumin has larger ones.

The small fruits of the plant have a strong aniseed aroma and taste. They must be harvested before they are fully ripe. When they go from waxy to full maturity and begin to turn brown. Most often, cumin seeds are used whole without grinding. Their alternative is the seeds of the mild elderberry, from which cumin differs in shape, taste and aroma.

History of Kim

The history of this aromatic spice, which should not be confused with cumin, dates back a long time - from Eurasia and North Africa. There is evidence that cumin was cultivated in Egypt as early as 1500 BC.

There is also archaeological evidence in the form of cumin remains found near the hearths of several dwellings as early as 3000 BC. in Germany, and also in the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs. Data on cumin can be found in the cookbook of the Roman gourmet and culinary author Apicius, who includes the spice in several of his recipes and in quite large quantities.

In the Middle Ages, a mystical halo hovered around the cumin because magical abilities were attributed to it. Even the great Shakespeare mentions the spice in the 16th century in his works. The glutton and bon vivant Sir John Falstaff is kindly invited to a meal with cumin.

The essential oil is also obtained from cumin, which is obtained by steam distillation of the fruit. Cumin oil is a gray-brown liquid with a specific odor and slightly pungent taste. Cumin essential oil is useful because it stimulates the secretion in the gastrointestinal tract and mammary glands. It is used as a fragrance in cosmetics, in the manufacture of soaps, lotions and perfumes.

Composition of cumin

The fruits of cumin are very rich in essential oil. Their content is between 3% and 7%, and this oil has a very characteristic taste and smell. This taste and smell is mainly due to the essential oils carvone and lemon.

Storage of cumin

Cumin is a spice that can be found in most stores in a small package of 10 years. Store it indoors, dry and ventilated. Do not store cumin in a light place near places where steam is cooking and rising. Make sure your storage containers are tightly closed.

Cooking with cumin

Cumin is a specific spice, which is most often added to fatty and more difficult to digest foods, such as pork, geese, duck, cabbage dishes, beets, etc. In addition, it is one of the favorite aromatic spices, loved to complete the taste of pickles, pies, pies, various bakery products. The aroma of cumin goes very well with some cheeses, cottage cheese, milk pastes and other dairy products.

However, care must be taken with the dosage of the spice, because its taste is quite rich and between half and 1 tsp. cumin is quite enough for a dish for 4 servings.

The small fruits of cumin are widely used in the production of many types of sausages or canned meat. The use of cumin in canned products acts antimicrobially and as a preservative. Who also prepares quite aromatic drinks, such as liqueurs and brandies. Quite often the taste of the spice is suitable for flavoring winter soups and other winter dishes, quite popular in Central European and Scandinavian cuisine. In general, the use of cumin brings a lot of comfort at home, especially in cold weather.

Benefits of cumin

Cumin aids digestion and is therefore suitable for seasoning heavy foods from animal products or hard-to-digest vegetables, such as cabbage. The fruits, as well as the essential oil of them stimulate gastric secretion and aid digestion. Drinks with cumin, including cumin tea are effective against colic and some other stomach ailments.

For better digestion, it is recommended to drink cumin tea at the same time during lunch or dinner. It successfully prevents the formation of gas and dulls the feeling of bloated stomach. This is due to the increased production of digestive juices, with the help of which food is digested more easily than usual.

Like anise and dill, the aromatic substances in cumin stimulate lactation, as a result of which they are recommended for nursing mothers and parturients. If you have bad breath problems, then chew a few caraway seeds to help you deal with the problem.

In addition to being considered the most effective remedy against flatulence, cumin is also used as a remedy for overeating and spasmodic complaints in the gastrointestinal tract. It helps to eliminate nervous disorders in the cardiovascular system, and is also revered as an effective cough medicine.

Here's more about the benefits of cumin:

Strengthens the immune system

Due to the high content of volatile oils, vitamins and minerals, cumin is a natural adjuvant to strengthen the immune system. Fights nausea and anemia. It is rich in iron and organic compounds that help in better absorption of iron in the body, but also to relieve nausea.

Eliminates back pain

This aromatic product is a reliable ally against pain, especially pain in the back, knee or joints. You need a little cumin oil, mixed with honey and a little vinegar, and with the resulting solution massage the affected areas.

Kim tea

2 tsp cumin seeds are flooded with 1 tsp. boiling water. Boil for 15 minutes, then strain and drink 1 tsp. before meals.

Kim tea delights us with its many benefits.

Improves digestion

The seeds have an antispasmodic effect, and regular consumption promotes optimal digestion and helps eliminate gas from the stomach and intestines.

Suitable for people with diabetes

Kim plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels and acts as a supplement to both prevent and relieve the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Regular consumption helps lower blood sugar and lowers insulin resistance.

Cumin is rich in iron and contains volatile oils. Thus, when you have problems with digestion and face intestinal cramps, abdominal colic, problematic intestinal tract, this tea becomes the ideal solution and will help you get rid of pain and suffering.

It is known that cumin tea fights colic in children and nursing mothers. In the latter, cumin preparations can be used to stimulate milk secretion, along with other plants such as anise or dill.

For infants and children, make tea from half a teaspoon of cumin fruit in 100 ml of water. In infants, 6 tablespoons are used, while in children over 5 years of age, the full amount can be given during the day.

Kim helps to get rid of fatigue

Foods seasoned with cumin, coriander or a few peppercorns are useful and have the effect of invigorating the body, as well as eliminating fatigue.

Tincture of cumin

Mix 10 tablespoons of cumin powder with 50 ml of fruit brandy, but with an alcohol concentration of 50% and leave everything to soak for 2 weeks. After this time, the tincture is filtered and placed in small containers, which are kept in a cool and dark place. It is taken for various reasons only after consultation with a herbalist.

Harm from cumin

The strong aroma and taste of cumin are able to make you feel bad if you overdose on the spice. It is also important not to try to collect cumin fruits on your own. It has many twins and umbrella plants, such as wild chervil, which can be toxic.