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Nutritional Density
Food guide

Cumin

Warm, earthy seeds used from Mexico to India, notably rich in iron.

Plant-Based
Cumin, a nutrient-dense plant-based food, photographed on a plain linen surface

Nutrition per 100 g

Standardised to 100 g of cumin for fair comparison. Typical serving: 1 tsp (2 g) — 8 kcal per 2 g serving.

Nutrition information for Cumin
NutrientPer 100 gPer serving (2 g)Per 100 kcal
Energy400 kcal8 kcal100 kcal
Protein20 g0.4 g5 g
Carbohydrate45 g0.9 g11.3 g
Fat25 g0.5 g6.3 g
Fibre10 g0.2 g2.5 g

Figures are typical values and vary with variety, preparation and brand.

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals per 100 g of cumin, with a typical serving and FDA Daily Value for adults.

Micronutrients for Cumin
NutrientPer 100 gPer serving (2 g)% DV
Vitamins
Vitamin A64 µg1.3 µg7%
Vitamin C7.7 mg0.15 mg9%
Vitamin D0 µg0 µg0%
Vitamin E3.3 mg0.066 mg22%
Vitamin K5.4 µg0.11 µg5%
Thiamin0.63 mg0.013 mg53%
Riboflavin0.33 mg0.007 mg25%
Niacin4.6 mg0.092 mg29%
Vitamin B60.44 mg0.009 mg26%
Folate10 µg0.2 µg3%
Vitamin B120 µg0 µg0%
Choline24.7 mg0.49 mg4%
Minerals
Calcium931 mg18.6 mg72%
Iron66.4 mg1.3 mg369%
Magnesium366 mg7.3 mg87%
Phosphorus499 mg10 mg40%
Potassium1788 mg35.8 mg38%
Sodium168 mg3.4 mg7%
Zinc4.8 mg0.096 mg44%
Selenium5.2 µg0.1 µg9%
Copper0.87 mg0.017 mg97%
Manganese3.3 mg0.066 mg143%

Source: USDA FoodData Central — Spices, cumin seed

% DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults. Nutrients that USDA does not report for this entry are omitted. Values vary with variety, preparation and brand.

Why eat cumin?

  • One of the most iron-dense spices.
  • Deepens flavour in low-salt cooking.

How to include it

  • Toast whole seeds in oil to start a dish.
  • Sprinkle ground cumin over roasted vegetables.

Things to consider

  • Burns quickly at high heat.
  • Ground cumin fades fast; buy small amounts.

Educational content. This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Speak to a qualified health professional about your individual circumstances.

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