Cumin | Black Cumin

Cumin | Black Cumin
Seeds

Cumin - [Jeera (India), Cuminum cyminum]

Probably originating in southwestern Asia this plant has been native to the region from the eastern Mediterranean to eastern India since prehistoric times. This is one of the most important spices in Indian cuisine, generally combined 1 teaspoon to 1 Tablespoon coriander seed.

Seeds Black Cumin - [Kala Jeera, Shahi Jeera (India); Zireh Kuhi (Persia); Siyoh Dona (Tajiki), Bunium persicum alt? B. bulbocastanum]

Fruits of this plant are used in the cuisines of northern India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Persia - and are all but unknown outside that region, though the plant grows wild as far as southeastern Europe. The leaves can be used as is parsley and the roots cooked, said to taste like sweet chestnuts, but only the fruits are available in the US. This spice is not to be confused with Nigella, often also called "Black Cumin" - not an English translation error, nigella is called "black cumin" in Bengal.

More on Parsleys

Dry Roasting: In the Indian cuisines, and to a lesser extent in Africa and the Middle East, cumin (and other) seeds are dry roasted in a metal pan until they are very fragrant and darkening just slightly. Keep shaking the pan for even heating and do not let them become hot enough to smoke.