CUMIN SEEDS

Cumin is the dried seed of the herb Cuminum cyminum, a member of the parsley family. Cumin is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae. 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.

Cumin seed have an aromatic odour and bitter taste. It is used as a condiment, and is an ingredient in food. 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.

Cumin was also noted for cosmetic properties. It is a rich source of iron.