Zira (km)

There are several versions of the origin of the name of the plant zira. According to the most common version, it came from the Arabic language and is translated as "seed". According to other sources, the name of the spice may have Persian or Jewish roots.

Zira is the best-known name for the spice, which is also called cumin, zera, Roman cumin, kneem, and cammun.

Names in other languages: German. Ägyptische Kümmel white cumin, fr. cumin du maroc.

Belongs to the umbrella family.

The zira plant is a shrub of low grass, which belongs to the umbrella family. In appearance, it resembles dill, but has a slightly different leaf structure: it consists of two thin long shoots. When the zira blooms, the flowers gather in umbrellas. Umbrellas can be yellow, white or red.

Zira seeds are oval, oblong, about 0.6 cm long and 0.1 cm wide.

Character traits:

• The shade of the seeds is greenish, grayish or brownish;
• Length - about 5 mm.
• Grain with longitudinal ribs, its shape is straight or slightly curved.

According to the place of growth, several varieties of zira are distinguished: Persian, Kirman, Syrian and Nabataean. In cooking, black kirman (cumin) and yellow Persian zira are commonly used. The main type of zira: Cuminum cyminum - This is the most common type.

The Eastern Mediterranean (presumably Egypt) is the birthplace of zira. Once in India, along with other spices, she became a real queen of spices in this country.

Today, the cuisines of exotic countries, including oriental ones, are becoming very popular, so we can talk about the revival of the interest in zira and other spices that the European consumer has long lost.

Now zira is practically not found in the wild, as it is completely cultivated. It is grown in large quantities in African, Asian and Latin American countries. The annual harvest of zira around the world is several tens of tons.

Zira umbrellas are harvested without waiting for the seeds to ripen, and then dried. The highest quality spices are sold not in the bazaar, but in specialized stores. If you still decide to buy cumin from a market vendor, rub a pinch of seeds and smell: properly grown and dried cumin should smell very nice.

• If the seasoning is sold in packaged form, check the integrity of the packaging before buying;
• Seeds must be whole - not crumbled and not crumpled;
• There must be no debris in the package;
• High quality zira smells pleasant, but not harsh;
• If you rub the grains between your fingers, the smell should intensify.

• Amber yellow, white. It is easy to distinguish by color from cumin - black zira.
• Rich smell and taste: bitter, spicy, with nutty notes;
• The characteristic smell of seeds is enhanced after heat treatment.

Seeds of cumin or zira are rich in fatty and essential oils, which contain a large number of biologically active substances: cumin algedride, carvone, kymin, paracytamol, gum, alpha and beta pectins, beta-carotenes and other active substances, vitamins and minerals. A more detailed chemical composition of zira, as well as the calorie content of spices, can be found in the tables.

Calories per 100 gr. - 375 kcal

How many grams are in one spoon?

• In 1 teaspoon - 6 grams;
• In 1 tablespoon - 15 grams.

• Due to its bright taste, it helps to get enough food faster;
• Is the strongest aphrodisiac;
• Invigorates and tones;
• Has an antiseptic and cosmetic effect;
• has an analgesic effect;
• Improves metabolism.

• Seasoning zira is contraindicated in people with severe diseases of the stomach or intestines;
• May cause a severe allergic reaction and, as a result, anaphylactic shock;
• In people who do not tolerate spicy food, it can cause heartburn;
• Excessive consumption of zira can adversely affect the condition of the liver and lungs.

Essential oil is produced from zira grains, which is widely used in aromatherapy and cosmetology. Undiluted, it smells quite strong. In order for the fragrance to become softer and more subtle, it is recommended to mix the oil with water. The smell of the oil depends on the variety of zira and on the conditions in which the plant was grown. Along with the aroma, the properties of the essential oil can also change.

Scientific studies have proven that cumin essential oil contains substances that help fight fungus and microbes. If you follow the dosage correctly, then with the help of this oil you can get rid of problems with digestion.

Aromatherapy sessions using oil can help you fight depression and anxiety. Zira is useful for people suffering from insomnia, as it has a good calming effect.

Zira has found wide application in cooking, many dishes cannot be imagined without the addition of this seasoning. It is no less popular in folk medicine. Many recipes have existed for centuries and help people get rid of ailments. Zira essential oil is widely used. Experienced aromatherapists include it in various mixtures: for relaxation, massage, inhalation and other procedures.

• Whole grains are added to dishes from cereals and legumes;
• The most popular dish that cannot do without zira is pilaf;
• Seeds are added to jars with pickles and marinades;
• Ground grains are used in baking and in the manufacture of confectionery;
• With the addition of cumin, sauces and spice mixtures are produced;
• Zira is added to various meat dishes, including sausages;
• Gives a special taste to soups and salads;
• Used to make warm drinks.

Dishes with the addition of zira are especially popular in Central Asia and the Middle East. This spice can be found in the recipes of many national dishes of European cuisine, for example, in Greek hummus or in Bulgarian sausage - sujuk.

Zira is usually used not by itself, but in combination with other spices and seasonings. It harmonizes well with red and black pepper, turmeric, dried barberry, ground ginger, cloves and cinnamon.

The healing properties of zira help fight the following problems and diseases:

• sleep disorders;
• memory impairment;
• nervous tension;
• headache;
• diseases of the digestive tract;
• kidney stones and gallbladder;
• respiratory diseases;
• tendency to form blood clots;
• anemia and malnutrition;
• malfunctions of the cardiovascular system;
• vision problems;
• violation of brain activity;
• diseases of the genitourinary system in men.

Zira can be safely used during pregnancy and lactation, but, like any other spice, in very small quantities. This spice helps to cope with nausea and vomiting, and also increases the flow of milk. A weak decoction of cumin seeds can be given to babies to relieve colic and normalize digestion.

• Has an antioxidant effect;
• Cleanses pores;
• Helps to get rid of edema;
• Tightens and refreshes the skin;
• Evens out complexion;
• Eliminates unpleasant odors.

• The bright taste characteristics of zira contribute to rapid saturation, thereby reducing the amount of food eaten;
• It has a diuretic and diaphoretic effect, therefore it is able to remove excess fluid from the body;
• Eating zira helps speed up the metabolism.

A drink made from green tea and zira grains helps to fight excess weight. In order to prepare this drug, you just need to brew green tea and add a pinch of zira to the teapot. Drink several cups of this drink throughout the day.

Zira is a plant that loves warmth.

1. Under the film, it is planted, as a rule, after April 15. In open ground - only in May, covered with a special coating such as agrofibre.
2. Planting depth - about 3 cm. A distance of about 50 cm should be maintained between the rows.
3. After about 10 days, the first shoots of zira will appear under the film, or after 2 weeks if you planted zira in open ground.
4. Remove unnecessary sprouts so that there is a distance of at least 7 cm between plants.

Includes:

• weeding,
• loosening,
• rare watering.

In August, the seeds are already mature, they must be collected on time, otherwise they will crumble. Dry the seeds in the shade.

If the seeds were wet during harvesting due to rain, they must be spread out in a layer of no more than 5 cm, well ventilated and dried at a temperature of about 40 degrees.

Seeds are stored in cloth bags.

• In some countries of the East, there is a custom according to which the newlyweds on their wedding day must carry zira seeds everywhere with them. This will make their marriage long and happy.
• In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the seeds of cumin can protect a loved one from fornication.
• Zira external is similar to caraway.

What differences between zira and cumin read our other article.