Ground Cumin

Warm and penetrating, Ground Cumin's distinctive flavor possesses an earthy nuttiness, bitter undertones and a citrusy touch of lemon. A close relative of fragrant caraway and fennel, cumin is native to northern Africa, in the coastal regions along the Mediterranean. Its happy location along the early spice trading routes brought it into acclaim in the ancient world; its name is descended from the world’s first written language, Sumerian, where it was called gamun and written about in cuneiform. It has a high concentration of volatile oils that give it its unique character, but they begin to dissipate after grinding. To provide you with the freshest flavors possible we grind small batches several times per week, and we grind our cumin more coarsely, providing more surface area for the volatile oils to adhere to. This lengthens the amount of time the oil will take to dissipate, meaning your Ground Cumin stays fresher-tasting, longer.

Cumin did not emerge in most of the US as an important spice until the 1960s, but since then has steadily risen in popularity and use. The American Southwest, though, was ahead of the curve. Spanish colonists settling in the southwest introduced cumin to America, and in the 1600s cumin was documented as being grown in what is modern day New Mexico. It was frequently paired with the chile peppers they also brought over, providing the bedrock of New Mexican cuisine that has become a cultural hotspot and food destination today.

Tips From Our Kitchen

Add Ground Cumin to tomato salsas to add depth to the natural sweetness of a tomato. Let it cook in with onions and garlic to create the base for an unforgettable black bean soup. It is a key ingredient in both Indian cuisine and Thai curries. Toss chickpeas in cumin and oil and roast to make chana, a healthy and delicious snack. You can also purchase Cumin Seed whole. 

Because of the high amount of volatile oils, cumin can be potent. Use sparingly until you determine your preference for it.

Our Ground Cumin comes from India.

This product is certified kosher.

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Ingredients: Ground cumin

Country of Origin: India