Chemical and Physical Specifications of Cumin

Whole cumin: Chemical and Physical Specifications

SpecificationSuggested Limits
ASTA cleanliness specifications
Whole dead insect, by count4
Mammalian excreta, by mg/lb3
Other excreta by mg/lb5.0
Mold, % by weight1.00
Insect defiled/infested, % by weight1.00
Extraneous, % by weight0.50
Ash9.5% max
Acid-insoluble ash1.5% max
FDA DALs
Adulteration with sand and gritAve of 9.5% ash and/or 1.5% AIA
Volatile oil2.5% min
Moisture9.0% max
Ash8.0% max
Acid-insoluble ash1.0% max
Average bulk index (mg/100 g)240
Military specification (EE-S-6311.1981)
Harmless extraneous vegetable matter5% by weight
These are suggested limits that the authors put together from the date collected. These number are equivalent to the level into which most quality spice will fall.
ASTA suggested maximum moisture level.

Ground cumin: Chemical and physical specifications

FDA DALsNone
Volatile oil2.0% max
Moisture9.0% max
Total ash8.0% max
Acid-insoluble ash1.0% max
Military specification (EE-S-6311.1981)
Volatile oil (ml/100g)2.2 min
Moisture9.0% max
Total ash9.5% max
Acid-insoluble ash2.0% max
Bulk index (ml/100 g)185
These are suggested limits that the authors put together from data the authors collected. These number are equivalent to the level into which most quality spice will fall.
Average bulk index. Granulation will effect number.

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