CUMIN SEED USES
DISCOVER CUMIN SEED’S USES AND BENEFITS.
Cumin seed is the spice maybe used most in Indian curry recipes across all regions and traditions. Cumin is native to India and is the seed of the plant, which is a member of the parsley family. Discover the answers to your frequently asked cumin questions via the link below. Watch the video tutorial for more information on how to use cumin in its many forms.
CUMIN SPICE
PROFILE Q&A’s
What is cumin?
Cumin as a spice used in Indian regional recipes is the dried seed of the cumin plant. The cumin plant is a member of the parsley family. The seed can be ground into a powder (cumin powder) for use. Cumin seed and cumin powder are common spices that have found their way into many home kitchens.
Do you have to toast cumin seed to use it?
No. I rarely if ever toast my cumin seed before cooking. Toasting cumin seed results in a different taste and texture (see the video tutorial for more). Cumin seed should be tempered, however, which means that at some point in the cook it should touch heat and fat.
Can you replace cumin seed with cumin powder?
Yes, but the ratio needs to change and the taste will be different. If using cumin powder instead of cumin seed, use less. If using cumin seed instead of cumin powder, use more. A short equation is this—one-and-a-half teaspoons of cumin seed is equivalent to a shy half-teaspoon of cumin powder.
Do you grind your own cumin powder?
I don’t always, no. To save time and mess in a busy family kitchen, I will buy cumin powder. In this case, buying organic powdered spices is preferred. The aromas are brighter, stronger, and more interesting. Organic spice is relatively inexpensive because of the small quantities required.
MORE SPICE PROFILES
