Cumin

Ingredients and Instructions

Also called comino , this ancient spice dates back to the

Old Testament. Shaped like a caraway seed, cumin is the

dried fruit of a plant in the parsley family. Its aromatic,

nutty−flavored seeds come in three colors: amber (the

most widely available), white and black (both found in

Asian markets). White cumin seed is interchangeable

with amber, but the black seed has a more complex,

peppery flavor. Cumin is available in seed and ground

forms. As with all seeds, herbs and spices, it should be

stored in a cool, dark place for no more than 6 months.

Cumin is particularly popular in Middle Eastern, Asian

and Mediterranean cooking. Among other things, it's

used to make curries, chili powders and Kummel Liqueur.