Organic Ground Cumin

Our organic ground cumin, "Cuminum cyminum", also spelled cummin, comes from an annual plant of the parsley family "Apiaceae" and the spice made of its seedlike fruits. Native to the Mediterranean region, cumin seeds contain between 2.5% and 4.5% essential oil, the principal component of which is "cumaldehyde".

Cumin has been used to spice food since Ancient Egypt, but it was used for so much more than that. Both the Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Greeks documented its value as a medicinal plant, it has been used as makeup, money, and carried as a charm. While gaining interest in modern time, the height of its popularity was in the Middle Ages; however, you could always find it in the kitchens of Mexico, Spain, India, North Africa and the Middle East.

Rich and hearty, earthy and warm, with an edge of citrus, Cumin adds instant depth to any dish. Use ground Cumin rather than whole Cumin seed in recipes where you want the flavor to disperse evenly throughout.

Chefs rely on Cumin to accentuate the sweetness of root vegetables, like carrots and beets, as well as adding complexity to vegetarian dishes, from vegetable and bean stews to grilled tofu. It's a must-have for enhancing the savory flavor of rich meats like beef and lamb.

Vegetarians love how Cumin enriches the taste of vegetable and legume soups and stews. They appreciate the way it lends pungency to rubs and marinades for tofu. Try blending it with coriander, ginger and garlic for a spicy-sweet rub.

Chefs may argue about how to make the best chili. But everyone agrees that Cumin is an essential flavoring for almost any variety, along with garlic, oregano and chili pepper. Cumin has the strength to stand up to grilled and roasted meat, try it in your next hamburger. But it's also an excellent foil for mild, sweet vegetables like pumpkin and butternut squash. Add a dash before roasting vegetables, or stir it into a creamy soup.