Cumin

Cumin comes from the dried seed of the Cuminum cyminum herb. Cumin is a spice commonly used in Mexican and Indian cuisine. The nutty, peppery flavor and rich aroma of cumin are due to its high essential oil content.

Cumin grows in the majority of hot countries now but it originated in Levant and Upper Egypt, going back to ancient times, with the seeds even being found in pyramids. Cumin was used medicinally and cosmetically by the Romans and the Greeks.

Cumin is grown from seed and the plants prefer sandy soil. Cumin seeds are usually ready to harvest four months after planting.

Fast Facts

1. Native to the Mediterranean region
2. Suppliers: Iran, Syria, India, Pakistan and Turkey
3. Enhances sweetness of food
4. High in iron
5. Used to aid digestion
6. Essential ingredient in most curry powders
7. Resemble caraway seeds
8. cumin, caraway, parsley and dill belong to the same family
9. Available in both seed and powder form

How to Choose and Store

The World's Healthiest Foods recommends that it is better to purchase cumin in whole seed form than powder as it holds its flavor longer and the seeds can easily be ground with a mortar and pestle. Cumin seeds should be lightly roasted before use to bring out the flavor and aroma. Both cumin seeds and powder should be kept in glass airtight containers in a dark, dry, cool place.

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