Can You Eat Cumin Seeds Without Cooking

Can you eat cumin seeds without cooking

By TheWholePortion

Page last updated: 09/10/2022 | Next review date: 09/10/2024

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In this short article, we will answer the question. “Can you eat cumin seeds without cooking?”, along with more information about cumin seeds, such as ways to store it, and incorporate it into various dishes.

Can you eat cumin seeds without cooking?

Yes, you can eat cumin seeds without cooking, and it does not take time to release their flavor. It can be eaten raw, to relieve indigestion or nausea.

If you like a more intense flavor, lightly roast the cumin seeds and grind them to a powder using a mortar and pestle. Add it to dishes or drinks to improve gut health.

What is the difference between whole cumin seeds VS ground cumin seeds?

There are several differences between ground cumin and whole cumin seeds. Whole cumin seeds are usually added to the hot oil at the beginning of preparing a dish, to infuse the oil with flavor.

Sometimes, the seeds are lightly roasted before combining with oil to increase the flavor. Ground cumin is made by grinding the roasted cumin seeds, and they can be added to the dish at any time.

What do cumin seeds taste like?

Cumin seeds have a very earthy and warm flavor with an aroma of sweet and bitter tones. The optimum flavor of cumin can only be enjoyed if the seeds are roasted well.

Since cumin does have a strong flavor, most people do not prefer to add it to every dish, and only use it when necessary.

How to store cumin seeds?

Store cumin seeds in the freezer or the pantry. Store them in the pantry, in a cool dark area, if you use them regularly. This should last for about 6 months with proper storage.

If you intend to preserve it for longer, store the seeds in the freezer for up to 3 years without spoilage. However, ground cinnamon should not be frozen, as it affects the overall flavor.

What are the benefits of eating cumin seeds?

Eating cumin seeds has many benefits such as:

Antioxidants

Cumin seeds are packed with antioxidants such as apigenin and luteolin which protect the body against free radicals. Free radicals are dangerous, as they can cause cancer to develop.

The antioxidants in cumin will help you feel energetic and healthy and prevent premature aging as well.

Fights bacteria and parasites

The oil extracted from cumin seeds has been proven to be an effective antimicrobial. It is both a larvicide and an antiseptic agent, which prevents the growth of harmful bacteria which attack the immune system.

This could also be a reason why cumin is used as a preservative in food, as it prevents the growth of harmful bacteria.

Anticancer properties

Cumin seeds have been shown to prevent the multiplication of cancer cells according to research. One study done on rats showed that the rats fed with a diet containing cumin seeds prevented them from developing colon cancer. Similarly, compared to other popular herbs, cumin was the best anticarcinogen.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Cumin seeds have several active ingredients which possess anti-inflammatory effects. If you experience pain or inflammation, adding cumin seeds to your diet will help alleviate the symptoms.

A study done on rats has shown that the pain levels due to inflammation reduced when they were fed with cumin seeds daily.

What are the risks and side effects of eating cumin seeds?

Cumin is generally considered a safe spice to consume, and it is non-toxic. However, there has been some evidence that it may make men less fertile by suppressing testosterone levels. It should be taken in very high amounts daily, to trigger such effects, and more research needs to back this claim.

What recipes can you make with cumin seeds?

You can make many delicious recipes with cumin seeds, such as:

Cumin chicken

Add a generous amount of cumin to oregano and garlic and marinate the chicken. Fry the chicken over oil till it is crispy on both sides, and dip it in Picante sauce mixed with water and bouillon.

Bring the chicken to a boil, and cook for a few minutes until the chicken is ready. Serve with warm basmati rice, or add it to a salad.

Curried cumin potatoes

This is a simple and filling dish to make, using a few ingredients. Boil potatoes in a saucepan, and cut them into quarters after boiling. Let it cool, and saute cumin, turmeric, and curry powder for a few minutes.

Add the cut potatoes into the mixture, and saute until the potatoes are cooked. Serve this dish with fresh cilantro and rice.

Other FAQs about Spices that you may be interested in.

Are clumped spices safe to eat?

What can i use instead of 5 spice

What can i use instead of 7 spice

What can i use instead of thai 7 spice

Conclusion

In this short article, we have answered the question. “Can you eat cumin seeds without cooking?”, along with more information about cumin seeds, such as ways to store it, and incorporate it into various dishes.