Jeera or cumin is a seed spice well known for its medicinal properties in India and many other Asian countries. A native of the land of Mediterranean, Jeera is now grown mainly in India, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, China and parts of America. A speed spice, Jeera is grown mainly in hot climatic conditions.
India is the largest producer and consumer of Jeera in the world. Indian output is currently estimated to be around 200,000 ton per year. Gujarat and Rajasthan are the major production centres of the spice in the country. West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab also make significant contribution to Indian output.
Although the small cumin seed looks rather unassuming, its nutty peppery flavor packs a punch when it comes to adding a nutty and peppery flavor to chili and other Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes as well playing an important role in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine where it is a key component of curry powder. Both whole and ground cumin are available year-round.
Cumin seeds resemble caraway seeds, being oblong in shape, longitudinally ridged, and yellow-brown in color. This is not surprising as both cumin and caraway, as well as parsley and dill, belong to the same plant family (Umbelliferae).
Global output of cumin seed is estimated to be less than 300,000 ton per year with bulk of the output concentrated in Asian countries. Global demand as per export of Jeera is estimated to be around 30,000 to per year. Main exporters of Jeera are India, Syria, Turkey Iran etc.
Since India is the largest producer and consumer, the price formation of Jeera is mainly determined by domestic factors. However, seasonal nature of the crop and fluctuations in global demand and supply also influences the price in the country. Jeera is also now a major commodity traded in the futures exchanges of the country.
In India, Jeera is sown in October-November and harvested in February. Fresh crop generally reaches the market during March. Unjha in Gujarat is the main trading centre for Jeera in the country. Delhi, Jaipur and Rajkot are also known as major terminal markets for Jeera.
India exports Jeera mainly to the US, UK, Japan, Brazil, Bangladesh, Singapore and many other countries. The Indian exports came to a low of just 8,000 ton in 2003-04, but exports picked up in the following years to 13,750 ton. India also exports cumin powder and oleoresin extracted from cumin seeds.
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