Cumin "seeds" are the small dried fruit of a plant in the parsley family native to the Mediterranean. Ground cumin has a very distinctive flavour with an earthy, nutty, spicy taste, slightly bitter undertones and a warm, penetrating aroma with hints of citrus. The strong flavours of cumin are well suited to highly spiced cuisines.
Ground cumin works well in combination with other spices and ground cumin's flavours are among the most distinctive elements in both curries and chilli con carne. It is a delicious and dynamic flavour addition to soups, stews, rice and pulse (dahl) dishes.