Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) – Overview & Varieties
Description:
Cumin is the dried seed of Cuminum cyminum, a herbaceous annual plant from the Apiaceae family. Known for its strong, earthy flavor and aromatic profile, cumin is widely used in culinary, medicinal, and essential oil applications.
- Scientific Name: Cuminum cyminum
- Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
- Origin: Mediterranean region
- Plant Type: Herbaceous annual
- Plant Height: 30–50 cm
- Seed Characteristics: Elongated, ridged, light brown
- Essential Oil Content: 2.5–5% (rich in cuminaldehyde)
- Soil & Climate: Sandy loam soil, cool and dry climate
- Sowing Time: October–November
- Harvesting: February–March
Key Characteristics:
- Color: Light to yellowish-brown
- Shape: Elongated, ridged seeds
- Flavor: Warm, earthy, slightly bitter
- Aroma: Strong and aromatic due to cuminaldehyde
Common Uses:
- Culinary: Used in spice blends, curries, soups, and stews
- Medicinal: Promotes digestion and relieves inflammation
- Essential Oils: Used in perfumes and traditional medicines
Health Benefits:
- Improves digestion and reduces bloating
- Excellent source of iron
- Rich in antioxidants
Popular Varieties of Cumin:
- Gujarat Cumin 4 (GC-4):
- Yield: 700–900 kg/ha
- Maturity: 120–130 days
- Resistance: Tolerant to wilt and blight
- Seeds: Medium-sized, high oil content
- Gujarat Cumin 1 (GC-1):
- Yield: 500–700 kg/ha
- Maturity: 110–120 days
- Resistance: Moderate to Fusarium wilt
- Seeds: Light brown, medium-sized
- RZ-19:
- Yield: 800–1000 kg/ha
- Maturity: 120 days
- Resistance: Resistant to wilt and blight
- Seeds: Long and bold, high oil content
- RZ-209:
- Yield: 850–1050 kg/ha
- Maturity: 125 days
- Resistance: Tolerant to wilt and powdery mildew
- Seeds: Large-sized, darker seeds
- RZ-223:
- Yield: 900–1100 kg/ha
- Maturity: 130 days
- Resistance: Resistant to Fusarium wilt and blight
- Seeds: Long, bold seeds
- RS-1:
- Yield: 750–950 kg/ha
- Maturity: 120 days
- Resistance: Moderate to wilt and powdery mildew
- Seeds: Medium-sized, yellowish-brown
- S-404:
- Yield: 950–1200 kg/ha
- Maturity: 125–130 days
- Resistance: Highly resistant to Fusarium wilt
- Seeds: Large, bold, high essential oil content
- MC-43:
- Yield: 650–900 kg/ha
- Maturity: 110–115 days
- Resistance: Wilt-resistant
- Seeds: Medium-sized, light brown