Description Cumin is the dried, white fruit with
greyish brown colour of a small slender
annual herb. The surface of the fruit has
5 primary ridges, alternatively has 4 less
distinct secondary ridges bearing numerous
short hairs. The plant is 15 to 50 cm high.
The aromatic seed like fruit is elongated,
ovoid, 3 to 6 mm long, slightly bitter and
has a warm flavour. The flowers are white
or rose coloured in small umbels.
Origin
and Distribution Cumin is indigenous to Northern Egypt,
Syria, the Mediterranean region, Iran and
India. It is also cultivated in Mexico,
China, Sicily and Malta. Cumin is a tropical
plant and is cultivated as a rabi crop in
areas where atmospheric humidity during
February-March is low.
Uses Cumin seed have an aromatic odour
and bitter taste. It is used as a condiment,
and is an ingredient in curry powders, seasonings
of breads, cakes and cheese. It is employed
in native dishes of Central and South America.
In medicine, it is used as a stimulant,
carminative, stomachic and astringent. Cumin
seed oil is used in perfumery and for flavouring
liqueurs and cordials.
