Whole cumin seeds can be found packaged in the spice section of most grocery stores. Cumin definition: Cumin is a sweet-smelling spice , and is popular in Indian cooking . Cumin is sown in the spring from seed in rows 2 feet apart in fertile, well draining soil or, in cooler climates, start seed indoors four weeks prior to the last spring frost. In India, Black Cumin Seeds are found in the Middle East and various parts of North Africa, consumed … Thriving in sunny moderate climates, the cumin plant is a native of the Nile valley, Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean. Ground cumin is a quintessential spice in a few different blends, including curry powder. For a recipe that calls for 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, use 1 1/4 tablespoons of cumin seeds. Studies have shown that cumin may improve cholesterol levels, promote weight loss, and help prevent diabetes.. Cumin is a spice made from the dried seed of a plant known as Cuminum cyminum, which is a member of the parsley family. The most common variety of cumin is a brownish-yellow color, although you can also sometimes find black cumin, green cumin, and white cumin. Cumin seeds are harvested by hand from an annual plant; they are small, boat-shaped, and resemble caraway seeds. Cumin is one of the basic ingredients of curry and chili powders. Seed pods are harvested in autumn and usually allowed to dry naturally on wire racks. Because the flavor of ground cumin is more concentrated than whole cumin seeds, you will need less in a dish. Is a Rich Source of Iron. Transplant outdoors when temperatures routinely exceed 60 degrees F. (16 C.) or higher. During medieval times, cumin purportedly kept chickens and lovers from wandering off. Spices are derived from any part of a plant that is not a leaf: for example, cloves are flower buds, cinnamon is bark, ginger is a root, peppercorns are berries, nigella is seed, cumin is a fruit, saffron is stigmas, cardamom is pods and seeds, and asafetida is a gum. Depending on whether the recipe calls for cumin seed or ground cumin, you will use it differently in recipes. It is often cheaper to buy cumin seed at an international market catering to Latin American, Indian, North African, or Middle Eastern cuisine. The pods should be dried, then rubbed; this will release the cumin seeds from the pods, which can then be used directly in culinary dishes or stored in an air tight container for future use. For more details, see our, Top Commonly Used Middle Eastern Spices and Herbs. In February, they can harvest cumin. 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