How can distinguish Fennel, Caraway and Cumin?
How can distinguish Fennel, Caraway and Cumin?
Using spices in cooking is an art. This article we talk about fennel, caraway and cumin seeds. Can they replace each other's flavor? Are the nutrients in each kind of seed the same? Are the health benefits of these 3 seeds the same?
Fennel, Caraway, and Cumin are not the same origin but are quite similar in appearance:
√ Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a flowering plant species in the carrot family. It is a hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves. It is indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean but has become widely naturalized in many parts of the world, especially on dry soils near the sea-coast and on riverbanks.
√ Caraway (Carum carvi), also known as Meridian fennel and Persian cumin, is a biennial plant in the family Apiaceae, native to western Asia, Europe, and North Africa.
√ Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to the Irano - Turanian Region. Its seeds – each one contained within a fruit, which is dried – are used in the cuisines of many cultures in both whole and ground form.
In order not to be confused you must pay attention to the following factors:√ Fennel seeds:
Fennel seeds are slightly longer than Cumin and Caraway, and have a greenish. Fennel has a sweet, warm, but very light scent that closely resembles the scent of caraway seeds. Fennel is often used in salads or desserts.
√ Caraway seeds:
This seed is easily confused with cumin seeds, especially in some recipes. You have to be very careful as they are not always interchangeable. Caraway seeds have stripes along the long length of the seed. It has a slightly more curved shape than a Cumin seed. Caraway seeds are darker brown than Cumin seeds. Caraway seeds have a sweet licorice flavor like Fennel or Anise.
√ Cumin Seeds:
Cumin seeds are brown. Cumin is warm, the taste can be bitter or sweet. The scent of Cumin is very typical and passionate, close to earth, musk, pungent, spicy notes of lemon, nuts and smoke.
In these three types of seeds, Cumin is the most commonly used in Chinese, Indian, Malay and Middle Eastern cuisines. In fact, it is considered the second most popular spice in the world after black pepper.
Nutrient profile√ Fennel is a plant-based source of potassium, sodium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, Iron and calcium. It is also high in essential fatty acids and magnesium. Fennel seeds are rich in: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B3, beta-carotene, choline, lutein, zeaxanthin. In a teaspoon of fennel seeds contains: Calories: 7, Fat: 0 gram, Cholesterol: 0 milligram, Carbohydrates: 1 gram, Dietary Fiber: 1 gram, Sugar: 0 gram, Protein: 0 gram.
√ Caraway seed is loaded with fiber and several important minerals, including iron, magnesium, copper, and calcium. It’s also a rich source of antioxidants. Just 1 tablespoon of caraway provides: Calories: 22, Protein: 1.3 grams, Fat: 0.9 grams, Carbs: 3.34 grams, Fiber: 2.6 grams, Copper: 6.7% of the DV, Iron: 6.1% for women, Magnesium: 5.4% of the DV, Manganese: 4.8% for women, Calcium: 3.6% of the DV, Zinc: 4.6% for women. What’s more, caraway boasts a rich supply of health-promoting antioxidants, including limonene and carvone.
√ Cumin contains compounds called flavonoids that work as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants can help neutralize unstable particles called free radicals that cause cell damage. By neutralizing these particles, antioxidants can help prevent diseases like cancer, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Cumin is also a good source of: Vitamin A, Calcium and Iron. In a teaspoon of cumin contains: Calories: 8, Protein: 0 gram, Fat: 0 gram, Carbohydrates: 1 gram, Fiber: 0 gram, Sugar: 0 gram.
The health benefits of this spice are as follows:For Fennel:
√ Supports bone health
√ Reduce flatulence.
√ Soothes stomach pain, stimulates appetite.
√ Diuretic and anti-inflammatory.
√ May be used to gargle for sore throats.
√ It is long known as a weight loss aid and prolongs life.
√ Helps treat kidney stones and, in combination with urinary antiseptics such as uva-ursi, makes for an effective treatment for cystitis.
For Caraway:
√ Reduce inflammation
√ Supports digestive health
√ Promote weight loss
For Cumin:
√ Reduce inflammation
√ Relieves flatulence, tightness in the abdomen
√ Helps to relax the intestines.
√ Stimulates the entire digestive process.
√ Improves blood cholesterol.
√ Promotes weight loss and fat loss.
√ In Indian herbal medicine, Cumin is used to treat insomnia, colds, and fevers.
Both Cumin seeds and Fennel seeds can improve breast milk production.
Compiled and penned by Crocus Media
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Cumin Seed
Cumin Seed contains compounds called flavonoids that work as antioxidants in the body. It can help prevent diseases such as cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and also improves digestion, immune system, circulation,...
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