Cumin (pronounced "come-in")
is the pale green seed of Cuminum cyminum,
a small herb in the parsley family. The
seed is uniformly eliptical and deeply furrowed.
Geographical
Sources
Iran
and India.
Traditional
Ethnic Uses
Cumin
is frequently used in Mexican dishes such
as chili con carne and hot tamales.
Taste
and Aroma Description
Cumin
has a distinctive, slightly bitter yet warm
flavor.
History
/ Region of Origin
An
ancient spice, Cumin is native to the shores
of the Mediterranean Sea and Egypt. Currently
it is grown in many places, as it is rather
easy to grow and adapts well to many climates.
Cumin is one of the ancient spices, a favorite
of the Romans and it is mentioned in the Old
Testament. During medieval times, it was favored
in Europe and Britain, but it seems to have
gradually lost favor in those places. The
increasing popularity of Mexican influenced
foods is boosting the sale of Cumin.
