Cumin
Cuminum cyminum
Also known as: Jeera (Hindi) · Jeerakam (Tamil/Malayalam) · Jeelakarra (Telugu) · Jiru (Gujarati)
India's most universally used spice — and a potent carminative, digestive stimulant, and iron source in a single seed.
Iron
66mg / 100g
Key Compound
Thymol + Cuminaldehyde
Digestive Effect
Carminative + Pancreatic stimulant
GI Tag
Rajasthan Jeera (applied)
About
What is Cumin?
Cumin is the second most popular spice in the world after black pepper, and the backbone of Indian tadka (tempering). Beyond flavour, it is one of the most densely nutritious spices per gram: high iron (66mg/100g), a potent carminative that reduces bloating and IBS symptoms, and a digestive stimulant that increases enzyme secretion. The essential oil thymol stimulates pancreatic enzyme production — directly improving digestion of all macronutrients.
Nutritional Profile
What’s inside?
Health Applications
Why it matters
Gut Health
Cuminaldehyde and thymol stimulate salivary enzymes and pancreatic lipase — improving fat and protein digestion. The carminative effect reduces gas and bloating.
Anaemia
66mg iron per 100g — extraordinary for a spice. Regular tadka (tempering) in every meal adds meaningful iron to the diet.
Immunity
Thymol has documented antimicrobial activity against common foodborne pathogens including E. coli and Salmonella.
Ancient Wisdom
In Ayurveda
Dosha Effect
Tridosha — balances all three
Guna (Quality)
Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Ushna (warming)
Classical Note
Jeera is one of the Tridoshic spices — the rare category that benefits all three constitutions. Classical tadka spices (Jeera + Dhania + Fennel) together are the complete digestive tonic in Ayurveda.
Origin Story
From the field
Rajasthan & Gujarat · North-West India
Rajasthan is India's largest cumin producer, growing over 70% of the national harvest. In the arid Pali and Jodhpur districts, cumin is a winter cash crop grown by small-hold farmers under minimal irrigation. Usta ki Roti — a cumin-spiced flatbread — is the daily staple of Rajasthani shepherd communities who rely on cumin both as flavour and medicine in the harsh desert climate.
There are 23 ingredients in the Field Guide.