Cumin is a Mediterranean herb in the
caraway family with a history of
use that spans more than 5,000 years. It was a staple food and commerce
crop to the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians and is still widely
used throughout the Middle Eastern region today.
Cumin is also a popular ingredient in Mexican cooking, where it is used
to flavor beans, rice, chili, fajitas and tacos. The spice is also a key
flavoring agent in Dutch Kümmel liquor and in Indian pickling mixes.