Cumin are the dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant. It’s a small plant related to caraway, dill and fennel. Cumin is one of the world’s favourite spices. It’s unique and indescribable flavour is used to season every type of food. This includes cheeses in Holland, pickled cabbage in Germany to fish dishes in Lebanon. Not to forget couscous in Morocco, and tapas in Spain. Many dishes from India and Mexico would be unrecognizable if this spice was left out. Also imagine what garum masala or chili con carne would be without it. As with all seeds used as spices, it benefits from heating. The flavour is enhanced by dry roasting before grinding, or by frying in hot oil if being used whole.