Culinary Uses:
Cumin seeds are prized for their bold, earthy, and slightly Smokey flavor. This potent spice is widely used in many cuisines, including Latin, North African, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Indian. Cumin seeds are a key ingredient in spice mixes like garam masala, berbere, chili powder, curry powder. In Latin cuisine, Cumin seeds are an important ingredient in achiote paste, adobo, and sofrito. In European cuisine, the seeds can be found in bread, cheeses, and liqueurs. Whole Cumin seeds can be added to marinades, sauerkrauts, beans, soups, and bread for texture and flavor. Cumin seeds can also be fried in oil to create flavorful infused oil that can be used on roasted vegetables, hummus, and salad dressings. For spice mixes and rubs, it is recommended that Cumin seeds be toasted and cracked or ground into a powder for a stronger flavor and more appealing mouth feel. Cumin seeds have a strong flavor that can easily overpower a dish, so they should be used sparingly.
