F4L Ministries

Botanical name: Cuminum cyminum

Cumin is a. spice herb grown for its seed only, which is strongly aromatic and has a strong warm taste the seed is yellowish brown and about 0.5cm long. Cumin is a slender annual, growing up to 30-60cm tall. The plant has a branching stem withlong thin deep green leaves and small pink or white flowers. In Europe the use of cumin as a condiment had largely died out, but following a revival of interest in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking, it is now being cultivated again. It is also used in the spicy dishes associated with Mexican cooking. Sow cumin seed in rich soil in a warm sheltered position in early summer and thin the plant to 15cm apart. Provided there is plenty of sunshine the seeds should be ready for harvesting after 3-4 months. When seeds are ripe cut down the whole plant and complete the drying process indoors. Cumin seed is a good seasoning to add to casseroles and lentil soup. Use whole seed in the water when cooking cabbage or kidney beans. Spinkle freshly ground cumin seed over savoury rice just before serving. Use whole seed mixed into mashed potatoes. Add whole or ground seed for flavouring in health breads, pickles and chutneys

Botanical name: Corinadrum sativum

Coriander is an annual grown for its spicy aromatic seeds. Until the seeds rpen the whole plant has an unpleasant smell. For this reason it is not the best of plants to grow in a confined space or indoors. It does deserve a place in the garden, however, for the homegrown seeds are so superior to the ought ones. The seeds are almost completely round and have a strong sweet taste. Coriander is an ancient spice much used as a preservative and flavouring for foods and unpleasant medicines. Grow coriander in a light rich soil in full sun. in early spring sow the seed where it is to flower. The plants can be thinned to 10-15 cm apart. Coriander needs as long a growing season as possible to make sure the seeds will ripen. In late summer when seeds have turned a light greyish brown, cut down the plants. Leave them on a dry airy place for 2-3 days. When completely dried shake out the seeds and store in tight glass stoppered jars. Ground coriander seed is an important ingredient in curry powder and other mixtures. Use whole seed with vegetables such as cauliflower, celery and beetroot. Use ground seed in baking, and when for chutneys