Cumin   |   Black Cumin


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. What we call "Cumin Seeds" is actually the dried fruit, which contains the seeds. This is one of the most important spices in Indian cuisine, generally combined 1 teaspoon to 1 Tablespoon coriander seed, but sometimes 1 to 1. It is also one of the most important spices in North Africa, the Levant and Middle East. It is significant in Europe as well, but often displaced by Caraway Seeds. In India it is sometimes called White Cumin to differentiate it from Black Cumin. The photo specimens were typically 0.188 inch long by 0.060 inch wide (4.8 x 1.5 mm).

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Black Cumin Seeds

Black Cumin

  -   [Kala Jeera, Shahi Jeera (India); Zireh Kuhi (Persia); Siyoh Dona (Tajiki), Elwendia persica syn. Bunium persicum]

Fruits of this plant (called "seeds") 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. It has a very different flavor and aroma than white cumin, so the two are not interchangeable.The photo specimens were typically 0.220 inch long by 0.020 wide (5.6 x 0.5 mm).

Leaves can be used as Parsley is, and the roots can be cooked, said to taste like sweet chestnuts, but only the fruits are available in North America.

Caution:

  This spice is not to be confused with Nigella, often also called "Black Cumin". This is not an English translation error, Nigella is actually called "Black Cumin" (Kalojira) in Bengal, where many of the early Indian immigrants came from (most of Bengal is now Bangladesh). Visually, they are easy to tell apart - Nigella seeds are tiny and teardrop shaped, not at all elongated.

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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, but darkening just slightly. Keep shaking the pan for even heating and do not let them become hot enough to smoke.

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