Origin: Turkey. Alternative names: Anise Acre, Cumin Acre, Cummin, Sweet Cumin.
Description: Cumin (pronounced "comein") is the pale green seed of Cuminum cyminum, a small herb in the parsley family. The seed is uniformly eliptical and deeply furrowed.
History: An ancient spice, cumin is native to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and Egypt. Currently it is grown in many places, as it is rather easy to grow and adapts well to many climates. Cumin is one of the ancient spices, a favorite of the Romans and it is mentioned in the Old Testament. During medieval times, it was favoured in Europe and Britain, but it seems to have gradually lost favour in those places. The increasing popularity of Mexican influenced foods is boosting the sale of cumin.
Use:.For a change of pace, try ground cumin added to tangy lime or lemon based marinades for chicken, turkey, lamb, and pork. Or, add cumin to chilli, spicy meat stews, barbecue marinades, and sauces. Stir toasted cumin into corn muffin batter to create an easy 'south of the border' accent. Heat cumin and garlic in olive oil and drizzle over cooked vegetables or potatoes. Ground cumin is stronger than whole seeds. The cumin flavour is accentuated by toasting. This is an <a href=
