Cumin - How To Use
(Also known as Roman Caraway or Jerra)
Profile
Cumin is part of the parsley family. It displays earthly, herby and woody notes. The small brown cumin seeds, similar to caraway, have a warm, assertive flavour and a slightly bitter taste. A staple ingredient in many ethnic recipes, some people adore it, while others loathe it. The Romans fell into the former category and sprinkled cumin seeds on bread.
Native to Egypt's Nile Valley, Cumin and coriander are most recognisable as the contributors to Indian food's predominant aroma. It is also used extensively in European, North African, and American cuisines in spice blends, vegetables, sausages, fish dishes, chutneys, bread, and stews. It is said to have been used in Egypt and Crete as long as 4,000 years ago and was introduced to Latin America by Spanish explorers. From chile con carne to Dutch cheese, cumin is a versatile and much-loved spice the world over. Cumin holds a silver place in being the second most popular spice in the world after black pepper.
What flavours go with cumin?
For those of you who like cumin, you will almost always find coriander seeds in close pursuit. Most global cuisines pair them together.
Other flavours that go with cumin;
- Apricot
- Beetroot
- Carrot
- Cauliflower
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Corriander
- Cucumber
- Cumin
- Lemon
- Lime
- Mango
- Nutmeg
- Mint
- Potato
- Saffron
- Turmeric
Our tangy Persian fish blend of Advieh Mahi is one great example of cumin and coriander. Cumin and mint will transport you to the souks of Cairo. The combination of lime and cumin is very much about alchemy and a strict formula but it can be quite something when you get it right. The cooling Indian drink of 'jal jeera' is one such example.
Health
Just one teaspoon of cumin is packed with iron. It also includes key nutrients of copper, both beneficial towards healthy red blood cells.
What is cumin used for medically?
Cumin was prescribed to relieve flatulence and to aid digestion traditionally.
Interesting Facts
- Cumin was around 5000 years ago, as evidenced by cumin found in the Egyptian Pyramids. The Ancient Grecians and Romans used cumin like we use black pepper, alongside salt on the dinner table. It was regarded as the king of seasonings in the Roman empire. To this day, salt combined with cumin is a tabletop seasoning in parts of Africa and Georgia.
- In the 1600s, Arab traders brought cumin to many parts of the world, including North Africa, Persia, India, Indonesia and China. It became a key ingredient in many spice blends as it still does today.
- Spanish conquistadors introduced cumin to the Americans in the 16th Century, particularly in Mexico - it is still part of many Mexican dishes today. Cumin was known to pay taxes like many other spices in the past.
- Folklore tales state that happiness would be in close pursuit if you carried cumin on your wedding day.
Chief flavour profile
Cuminaldehyde: (bitter, herbal and earthy) This musky spice has a flavour compound found in beef and cinnamon. It pairs well with sweet spices like cinnamon as well as cardamom and nutmeg because of its warming qualities.
Blends to try with Cumin
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Vegeto $12.00
![Vegeto Roman Spice Mix (All purpose seasoning - Mediterranean Italian)]()
Introducing Vegeto - Great Taste Award winner - 2023. Vegeto is a smokey all-purpose seasoning mix, with a whisper of bitterness from celery salt, and a hint of heat from ground chilli flakes. All natural, low sodium and vegan. This heritage spice mix pays homage to the ancient Romans' love of vegetables and pulses - inspired by the oldest collection of Roman cookery recipes by Marcus Gavius Apicius.
Endless culinary adventures - With highlights of garlic, paprika and basil, Vegeto is a perfect way to add flavour to roast vegetables, mashed potato, soups and salads. Try a pinch over smashed avocado on toast, or 2 tsp for a roast chicken marinade with some olive oil.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Mitmita $12.00
![Mitmita Ethiopian Spice Mix (All purpose seasoning)]()
Introducing Mitmita - A kaleidoscope of rich, spicy, sweet, and deep flavours that are all-natural, low sodium, and vegan. This spice mix derives from the Ethiopian Empire of Aksum. Featuring the after-heat of Birds Eye chilli peppers, smoky Ethiopian black pepper and undertones of celery salt.
Endless culinary adventures - Traditionally, Mitmita is used as a tabletop seasoning. This all-purpose spice mix adds complexity and balance to everything from a ribeye steak, to burgers, or prawns and poultry. It is perfect as a steak rub, or a barbeque marinade. It can even take a Bloody Mary cocktail to the next level. We recommend adding some fresh chilli if you want to heat up the alchemy even more.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Baharat Gulf Of Arabia $12.00
![Baharat Gulf Of Arabia - Saudi Spice Mix (All Purpose Seasoning)]()
Introducing Baharat Gulf of Arabia - Our grandmothers' have been passing down the secret of our Baharat for generations. Grandma Fátima's Saudi Arabian blend is of silk road origins. There can be several different Baharats depending on the region you come from in the Middle East. All-natural, salt-free, and vegan-friendly. This fragrant and flavour-packed mixed spice of the Arabian Peninsula is sweet, smokey and peppery. Our unexpected ingredient, 'Loomi' (black lime), adds a unique and exotic flavour. A little goes a long way.
Endless culinary adventures - Roast chicken, lamb shawarma, Arabian bread, tomato-based sauces, and rice dishes can benefit from a dash of this incredible spice mix! Our customers have also been using it to add a delicious twist to baked hake and vegetable galette. Give your cooking and baking a unique touch with our Baharat Gulf Of Arabia.
We mill and blend in-house. We use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Advieh Ash $12.00
![Advieh Ash Persian Spice Mix (Soup)]()
Introducing Advieh Ash - This ancient Persian spice mix derives from the Achaemenid Empire, 6th-century BC. A slightly sweet and nutty aromatic blend, composed primarily of dried fenugreek leaves. Advieh Ash has hints of spice with umami undertones, pairing wonderfully with root vegetables, pulses and lentils. All natural, salt-free, and vegan.
Endless Culinary Adventures - Advieh Ash is the ideal accompaniment for soups, stews, ramen, and bone broths of all types. Customers also love it in couscous and rice dishes. Just a pinch of this exquisite blend will elevate your soup to the next level.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Advieh Mahi $12.00
![Advieh Mahi Persian Spice Mix (Sea Food)]()
Introducing Advieh Mahi - This ancient Persian spice mix derives from the Achaemenid Empire, 6th-century BC. It is aromatic and flavourful, with highlights of cumin seeds and fenugreek leaves. All natural, low sodium and vegan.
Endless Culinary Adventures - Advieh Mahi (Persian for "fish spice"), is the perfect spice mix for seafood dishes! When mixed with a neutral oil and brushed over fresh fish, this nutritious blend provides a tasty health boost. Why not try for seasoned cod, or salmon? Our customers tell us that this is the perfect spice mix for kedgeree, fish pie and even octopus lollipops with tempura batter!
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
