Cumin is an herb that is part of the parsley family - it is also sometimes known as Roman caraway. Cumin has a range of specific culinary and medicinal uses and is also used in the manufacture of perfumes and related products.
Cumin in cooking
Cumin may be best known as an ingredient in Indian, Latin American and Asian cooking where it is often used in the creation of curries, curry powders (such as garam masala), enchiladas, tacos, salsas and chilli powders. The herb has a spicy taste of its own and it is also considered to be good at bringing out other tastes. It is also commonly added to cheeses (such as some Dutch varieties of cheeses) and used to make some drinks.
Cumin is also commonly used when cooking with meats, rice, pickles, soups and sauces. Its seeds are also often added to bread products in various cuisines across the world.
Cumin in medicine
Cumin can be used for a variety of medicinal purposes although it is often replaced by other herbs nowadays as it does not taste particularly nice when used in this way. Many practitioners of alternative medicines use cumin to help with: