Cumin resembles caraway, with which it is closely related, in aroma and flavour, but it is much more pungent and quite bitter. In olden times it was more highly prized than caraway, as testified to by the fact that, according to the Bible, the Pharisees paid their tithes with it and even in medieval England vassals used it to pay the feudal lords in lieu of their services. It was also well known to the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians, who used it in place of pepper.
Its fruits were put in graves together with other gifts for the dead. Theophrastus tells us that cumin was grown for culinary use and advises that sowing of the seeds be accompanied by cursing to ward off evil spirits, which would otherwise damage the germinating plants. On old Egyptian papyrus rolls it goes by the name of `tapnen'.
Turmeric is not a common seasoning in Europe, apart from England; whereas in the United States it is widely used in scrambled eggs, cream sauces, mayonnaises, various spreads and fish salads.
It is particularly good on grilled chicken, not only masking the odour of the poultry farm, which is unpleasant to many people, but also giving it a lovely golden colour. It is also used with all fried meats. Indian cookery uses turmeric to colour rice and sweet dishes. Once you become accustomed to this condiment you will be partial to it for ever.
Turmeric is a perennial plant resembling reeds and growing to a height of I in (3 ft). It is cultivated in China, India, the West Indies and Java. It is propagated by means of thin pieces of the rhizome called 'fingers' and can be harvested within ten months of planting.
Commercial cardamom is of two kinds: one from Malabar with small fruits and seeds, the other from Mysore with fruits and seeds that are slightly larger. - 16035
Its fruits were put in graves together with other gifts for the dead. Theophrastus tells us that cumin was grown for culinary use and advises that sowing of the seeds be accompanied by cursing to ward off evil spirits, which would otherwise damage the germinating plants. On old Egyptian papyrus rolls it goes by the name of `tapnen'.
Turmeric is not a common seasoning in Europe, apart from England; whereas in the United States it is widely used in scrambled eggs, cream sauces, mayonnaises, various spreads and fish salads.
It is particularly good on grilled chicken, not only masking the odour of the poultry farm, which is unpleasant to many people, but also giving it a lovely golden colour. It is also used with all fried meats. Indian cookery uses turmeric to colour rice and sweet dishes. Once you become accustomed to this condiment you will be partial to it for ever.
Turmeric is a perennial plant resembling reeds and growing to a height of I in (3 ft). It is cultivated in China, India, the West Indies and Java. It is propagated by means of thin pieces of the rhizome called 'fingers' and can be harvested within ten months of planting.
Commercial cardamom is of two kinds: one from Malabar with small fruits and seeds, the other from Mysore with fruits and seeds that are slightly larger. - 16035
