Cooks around the globe look to cumin to add warmth and earthy flavor to their dishes. One of the most popular spices in the world, cumin appears in a vast assortment of regional spice blends, from Mexican chili powder blends to Middle Eastern bahārāt to Indian garam masala and curry powder blends. Ground cumin comes from the dried, ground seeds of Cuminum cyminum, an herb in the parsley family. Closely related to the pungent, anise-flavored caraway, cumin is known as its bitter, spicier cousin.

Cumin’s Origins

First popularized by the ancient Greeks and Romans, this savory, versatile spice evolved into a mainstay across regions and cultures, from Mexican bean dishes to Indian curries. The Spice Hunter Cumin comes from the fertile growing regions of Turkey, though cumin is cultivated in neighboring Iran, Iraq, and Syria as well.

How to Use Cumin

Use ground cumin in tandem with coriander, turmeric, and cayenne to create an authentic Indian curry powder blend, or mix it with chili powder, oregano, and garlic powder to make a traditional Mexican chili powder blend. Add a few teaspoons to curries or chili con carne. Cumin also makes a great addition to meat marinades, tomato sauces, soups and stews, and even homemade cheese or bread.