Ready & Packaged Foods
All →Vegetables & Legumes
All →Desserts & Confectionery
All →Meat & Protein
All →Grains & Bakery
All →Beverages
All →Milk & Dairy
All →
Cemen (1 teaspoon) Calories
Spicy, source of protein and fiber, contains iron and B vitamins
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 teaspoon (medium) of Cemen (1 teaspoon) (5 g) has 13 calories. That works out to 260 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.6 g of carbs, 0.6 g of protein, 0.4 g of fat and 0.5 g of fiber. Its 1.7 mg of Iron covers 9% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Cemen (1 teaspoon) Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 teaspoon (medium) · 5 g
13
KCAL / 5G
Carbs
1.6g
· 1% DV
Protein
0.6g
· 1% DV
Fat
0.4g
· 1% DV
Fiber
0.5g
· 2% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 52% · Protein 19% · Fat 29%
Cemen (1 teaspoon) nutrition facts table · 1 teaspoon (medium) (5 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 13 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0.4 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.06 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 3 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 1.6 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% |
| Protein | 0.6 g | 1% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
Log this food in EatBetter
100,000+ people use it
- Get your daily calorie target
- Snap your meal, log it in seconds
- See every vitamin and mineral
📸 Scan the code to get the app free.
How Many Calories in 1 Teaspoon of Cemen (1 teaspoon)?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon (medium) | 5 g | 13 kcal |
| 2 teaspoon (large) | 10 g | 26 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (large) | 15 g | 39 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 20 g | 52 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 30 g | 78 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 50 g | 130 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 260 kcal |
Calculated from 260 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cemen (1 teaspoon)
What is Cemen?
Cemen is a pungent Turkish seasoning best known as the spice paste coating pastirma, Turkish cured beef. It commonly combines ground fenugreek seed, garlic, and red pepper, though the exact recipe and texture vary.
What is Cemen made of?
Cemen is usually made with ground fenugreek seeds, garlic, and red pepper; cumin and other spices may also be included. Recipes differ, and spreadable versions can contain tomato paste or water to make a paste.
How is Cemen used with pastirma?
Cemen is spread over the outside of pastirma as its characteristic spice coating. You can eat the coating with the cured beef or scrape some off if its garlic-and-fenugreek flavor is too strong for you.
What does Cemen taste like?
Cemen tastes savory, garlicky, and strongly aromatic, with an earthy, slightly bitter note from fenugreek. Some versions are mildly warm, while others taste noticeably hotter because they contain more red pepper.
Is Cemen the same as fenugreek?
No, Cemen is not simply fenugreek: fenugreek seed is one common ingredient in the Turkish seasoning or paste. Cemen also typically includes garlic and pepper, giving it a more complex flavor than ground fenugreek alone.
How do you make Cemen at home?
To make a simple Cemen paste, mix ground fenugreek seed with garlic and red pepper, then add a little water or tomato paste until spreadable. Let it rest briefly before serving so the flavors can meld.
What can I use instead of Cemen?
There is no exact substitute for Cemen, but a blend of ground fenugreek, garlic, and red pepper comes closest. If you only need a savory, mildly spicy seasoning, cumin and paprika can work, though the flavor will differ.
How should you store Cemen?
Keep dry Cemen in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry cupboard to protect its aroma. Refrigerate a fresh garlic-containing Cemen paste in a covered container, and use a clean utensil each time you serve it.
Why does Cemen taste bitter?
Cemen can taste bitter because fenugreek seed naturally has an earthy, bitter edge. Using a larger proportion of ground fenugreek, or over-toasting the seeds before grinding, can make that note more pronounced.
Can you spread Cemen on bread?
Yes, spreadable Cemen is commonly eaten on bread, often in a thin layer because its garlic and spice flavors are intense. Dry Cemen seasoning is not spreadable on its own; mix it with a little water or another suitable paste first.
Cemen (1 teaspoon) Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B1
0.02mg · 2% DV
B2
0.02mg · 2% DV
Biotin
0.4µg · 1% DV
B6
0.02mg · 1% DV
Minerals
Iron
1.68mg · 9% DV
Copper
0.06mg · 7% DV
Manganese
0.06mg · 3% DV
Magnesium
9.55mg · 2% DV
Potassium ⭐
39mg · 1% DV
Sodium
3mg · 0% DV
Cemen (1 teaspoon) Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Cemen (1 teaspoon)
To burn the 13 calories in 1 teaspoon (medium) (5 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Cemen (1 teaspoon)?
Cemen is a strongly seasoned Turkish condiment, best known as the coating on pastırma, the country’s cured beef. It is commonly made with ground fenugreek seed, garlic, red pepper and other spices, and is sold as a paste or a dry blend. Even a small spoonful brings a lot of flavour to a dish.
Its taste is pungent, garlicky and often mildly hot; the paste is thick, while a dry blend can be mixed with water or oil. In Turkey it may be spread sparingly on bread at breakfast or served alongside pastırma. Outside Turkey, try it as a savoury spread or stir a little into beans, soups or sauces. It provides protein and fibre, but its bold flavour means you rarely need much; mix it with yoghurt for a milder accompaniment.
How Nutritious Is Cemen (1 teaspoon)?
Nutrient density
High
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
High
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Cemen (1 teaspoon) Processed?
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Cemen (1 teaspoon) Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Cemen (1 teaspoon) Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Cemen (1 teaspoon) Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.06g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.12g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.16g
Omega 6:3 ratio 11:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (11:1).
Compare Cemen (1 teaspoon)
Foods Similar to Cemen (1 teaspoon)
Have another question about Cemen (1 teaspoon)?
Ask the AI nutrition coach — calories, portions, alternatives and more, answered in seconds in the app.
Scan calories with your camera
Instant AI nutrition analysis
Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.