Cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum) are widely used in the food, spice, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries due to their strong aroma, flavor, and medicinal properties. Below are the general specifications for cumin seeds:

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Small, elongated, and ridged seeds

Color: Light brown to dark brown

Odor & Taste: Strong, aromatic, and slightly bitter

Size: 3-6 mm in length

Purity: 99% minimum (export quality)

Foreign Matter: Max 0.5%

Moisture Content: Max 8-10%

Admixture: Max 0.5-2%

Immature & Shrivelled Seeds: Max 4%

Chemical Properties:

Volatile Oil Content: Min 2-5% (responsible for flavor and aroma)

Total Ash Content: Max 9.5%

Acid Insoluble Ash: Max 1.75%

Protein Content: 15-20%

Carbohydrates: 35-45%

Fiber Content: 10-20%

Essential Oil Content: 2.0-5.0 ml/100g

Microbiological Standards:

Total Plate Count: Max 100,000 CFU/g

Yeast & Mold: Max 1,000 CFU/g

Coliforms: <10 CFU/g

E. Coli: Absent

Salmonella: Absent

Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2): Max 10 ppb

Contaminants & Adulterants:

Pesticide Residues: As per country-specific regulations (FSSAI, EU, FDA)

Heavy Metals:

Lead (Pb): <0.2 ppm

Cadmium (Cd): <0.1 ppm

Arsenic (As): <0.1 ppm

Mercury (Hg): <0.05 ppm

Artificial Additives & Preservatives: Must be absent

Foreign Matter: Max 0.5%

Applications of Cumin Seeds:

Food Industry: Used in spice blends, seasonings, curries, soups, and pickles

Pharmaceuticals & Ayurveda: Used for digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties

Cosmetics & Personal Care: Used in herbal remedies and skincare formulations

Essential Oils: Used for flavoring and therapeutic applications

Animal Feed: Used as a digestive aid in livestock nutrition