Cumin Ordinary.

Cumin Ordinary: properties and applications

Cumin (lat. Carum carvi) is a plant of the Umbelliferae family, known for its characteristic smell and taste. It is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 30–80 cm in height. It is widespread in the European part of Russia, especially in the southern and southeastern regions, the Caucasus, Western Siberia and Central Asia. It grows in forest and forest-steppe zones, along river valleys, near roads, on hills and elevated alpine meadows up to an altitude of 3500 m above sea level. Common caraway is used as an essential oil plant and seasoning for sauerkraut, production of homemade cheeses, sausages, etc.

Cultivation of Cumin

Cumin Ordinary is a plant that does not require heat and soil. It grows best in black soil, sandy loam and light loamy areas. For digging, add 2-3 kg of manure, 15-20 g of ammonium sulfate, 20-25 g of superphosphate and 5 g of potassium salt per 1 m2. Seeds are sown in early spring, autumn or before winter with a row spacing of 45-60 cm, planted to a depth of 2.5-5 cm. Seeds germinate at a temperature of 7-10°C. Shoots appear in 18-25 days. By the end of the 1st year of life, the plant has formed a basal rosette. In the 2nd year, caraway seeds quickly develop and bear fruit. At the stage of stem formation and flowering, it requires sufficient soil moisture.

Collection and preparation of caraway seeds

Cumin fruits serve as medicinal raw materials. They are harvested when at least half of the umbrellas on the plant have matured. The stems are carefully cut with scissors and tied into bunches. It is better to collect raw materials in the evening or in the morning, when the fruits fall off less. Dry in the attic or in a well-ventilated area, spreading newspaper or cloth. As the fruits ripen, they fall onto the litter. To increase the yield of raw materials, after drying, the inflorescences are threshed and sieved. Store in closed jars for 3 years.

Properties of caraway seeds

The fruits of caraway seeds contain essential oil, steroids, phenolcarboxylic acids, coumarins, flavonoids, fatty acids and other biologically active substances. The essential oil, which is the main biologically active component, contains carvone, limonene, pinene and other compounds. Cumin Ordinary has antispasmodic, carminative, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. It improves digestion, promotes the secretion of bile and the contraction of intestinal smooth muscle, which helps relieve bloating, gas, cramps and other digestive problems. Cumin is also used to treat cough, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.

Application of caraway seeds

Cumin is widely used in cooking, especially in European cuisine, to add aroma and flavor to breads, pies, soups, salads, meat dishes and sauerkraut. It is also used in the production of alcoholic beverages, including beer and liqueurs. For medicinal purposes, Common Cumin is used in the form of tinctures, decoctions, capsules and tablets for the treatment of digestive and respiratory diseases. This herbal product can also be used for cosmetic purposes for skin and hair care.