What is Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)?
Cumin is a popular spice used commonly in Middle Eastern, Indian, Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines. It is a dried seed that comes from a plant in the parsley family and has a distinctive flavor and aroma. Cumin has a slightly bitter and peppery taste that can enhance dishes by adding an earthy, slightly spicy flavor. It can be found in ground form or as whole seeds, which are usually lightly toasted before use to bring out their flavor. Cumin is a key ingredient in many curries, marinades and Mexican dishes, as well as being added to soups and salads.
What does Cumin taste like?
Cumin is an earthy, warm and nutty spice that adds a unique flavour to many meals around the world. Its distinctive aroma and flavour profile is often described as peppery and slightly bitter and is popular for adding complex flavour to dishes. Cumin has the tendency to become stronger in flavour when toasted, making it an essential ingredient in Mexican and Indian cuisines. Its versatile nature makes it great for adding depth to both savoury and sweet dishes, while its familiar underlying taste is warmly received by many.
What dishes do you find Cumin in?
Cumin is a widely-used spice in many world cuisines. A traditional Indian dish, jeera (cumin) aloo, is made with boiled potatoes cooked in oil, turmeric and cumin. Mexican dishes like tacos and chiles rellenos often feature cumin, as does Chinese-style fried rice and Cuban black beans. In Moroccan cuisine, cumin is traditionally found in tagines – slow-cooked savory stews loaded with vegetables, herbs, spices and chickpeas or lamb. Additionally, cumin is an integral part of Middle Eastern tabbouleh, an herb-laden salad of bulgur, onion, cucumber, tomato and parsley. Cumin is also a common spice in many African dishes, including the Senegalese dish thieboudienne, which is made with fish, vegetables and rice.