How to check the quality of Jeera (Cumin Seed)?, How to store it to get max shelf life?, What are the different qualities of Cumin Seeds available in Market?. Read the following article to get all of the answers.
Distinguishing different qualities of Seeds and spices is quite difficult for consumers and for the traders as well. There are several parameters to be considered while identifying and choosing the right quality for your trade or to use it in your kitchen. This article will help you know these aspects very thoroughly. Also, do read about our latest cumin report 2023.
What is Jeera?
Cumin, also known as Jeera in India, is ubiquitous cooking item that can be found in nearly every Indian home. This Indian spice not only provides a pleasant peppery scent and flavour to a variety of meals, but it is also known for its health benefits. It is critical to get high-quality cumin in order to get the most out of it.
Physical Characteristics.
Cumin seeds are oval in form and yellowish-brown in colour, resembling caraway seeds. If you can't locate these seeds in your local supermarket, you may buy them in an Indian market or on the internet.
Season of Cumin Seed
Cumin is a tropical and sub-tropical crop that can withstand drought. It has a 100-120 day growing season. The majority of growth occurs between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. It takes three to four months of continuous hot summer weather. Cumin is planted from October until the beginning of December in India. In February, harvesting begins.
Shelf of Cumin Seed
The shelf life of Cumin Seed is very dependent on storage conditions; to extend cumin seed's shelf life, store it in a cool, dark closet away from direct heat and sunshine.
Cumin seed will keep its finest quality for 3 to 4 years if stored properly.
Store cumin seed purchased in bulk in containers with tight-fitting lids to extend its shelf life and preserve flavour and potency.
The "Best By," "Best If Used By," "Best Before," or "Best When Used By" date on commercially packaged cumin seed is not a safety date; rather, it represents the manufacturer's estimate of how long the cumin seed will remain at optimum quality.
Cumin seed that has been commercially packaged will not spoil, but it will lose potency with time and will not flavour food as intended - the storage duration indicated is for optimal quality only. To see if cumin seed is still effective, do the following: Taste and smell a small bit of cumin seed rubbed or crushed in your hand; if the aroma is weak and the flavour is not apparent, the cumin seed should be replaced.
Qualities:
Grinding Quality
Description - The Grinding quality of Jeera is quality that is used to make the grounded Cumin (Cumin Powder). It is usually a good quality jeera with the aroma and taste but the grain size is not uniform as the grinding, taste and aroma is meant to be last.
Countries most popular in - India, Egypt, Dubai and other Middle-East countries
Properties -
Grain Size: Varies
% of Husk : 3-4%
Purity : 99%
Weight of the grain : Varies
Moisture Content : 8-10
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Gulf Quality 98%
Description - Countries with price conscious market demands for Gulf Quality Cumin, as it has Aroma and Taste of Cumin seed with average grain size. This quality does not have a shining color as compared to other qualities of Cumin.
Countries most popular in - India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Brazil, Algeria etc.
Properties -
Grain Size: Average
% of Husk:2-5%
Purity : 99%, 98%
Weight of the grain : 150-200 grains per gram
Moisture Content : 8-10%
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Singapore 99 Quality
Description - Widely popular quality among importers as this quality is the perfect balance of price and quality. This quality is used as a benchmark when discussing trends in rates of Cumin Seed. With 99% purity and slight presence of Husk, this quality is good enough for the majority of Developing and price-conscious markets.
Countries most popular in - African Countries, Asian Countries, Brazil, Chile etc.
Properties -
Grain Size : Small to Medium
% of Husk : 2-3%
Purity : 99%
Weight of the grain : 150-180 gms
Moisture Content : 8-10%
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Europe 99 Quality
Description - This cumin has a good uniform grain and minimal presence of Husk. The quality is recommended if you are present in Europe or intend to sell it in your packaged brand among Middle-Class and better markets.
Countries most popular in: Countries of Europe
Properties -
Grain Size: Semi- Bold
% of Husk: 1%
Purity: 99%
Weight of the grain: 150 nos. per gram
Moisture Content : 8-10%
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Asta Quality
Description - Very fine cumin seed quality with double sortex and 99.5% purity. This quality has a uniform grain size and has a very good color. This quality is popular in the USA and some parts of Europe.
Countries most popular in USA, some parts of Europe
Properties -
Grain Size: Semi-Bold
% of Husk: 0.5-1%
Purity: 99.5%
Weight of the grain 120-150 nos per gram
Moisture Content : 8-10%
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Read our another blogs on types of Cumin Seeds, Health benefits of Cumin Seeds, and Jeera water recipe (Immunity Booster).
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