Cumin seeds

Cumin seeds are the small dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, a Mediterranean herb belonging to the dill and parsley family. These seeds, which are elongated and light brown in color, have an intense, earthy, and slightly bitter aroma, highly valued in cooking for their characteristic flavor.

Cumin is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and western Asia, and its use extends back to ancient times in various cuisines, especially Indian, Mexican, Arab, and Latin American cooking. Its incorporation into recipes adds a warm and spicy touch, ideal for stews, soups, marinades, legume dishes, and meats.

Regarding its properties, cumin seeds are a source of fiber, minerals such as iron and calcium, and antioxidant compounds. They are also attributed with digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits, making them a healthy as well as tasty ingredient.

In different Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, cumin seeds may be known by synonymous or variant names such as caraway (although this is a different species, in some regions they are confused), black cumin (when referring to another distinct variety), or simply cumin. However, "cumin seeds" is the most universal and recognized term in Hispanic American recipes.