Cumin is the seed of a small umbelliferous plant and is popularly used for food flavoring and aroma. Its flavor is pungent, powerful, sharp and slightly bitter. The seeds of the plant are used in whole or powdered form in food processing industry. It is mainly used in spicy foods. Cumin, also called as “Sugandhan” i.e. Good Smell in ancient times has its popularity spread from Latin America to Africa and all over Asia. In southern Europe, it represented greed, while in Germany it was used by newly weds as a symbol to ensure loyalty to one another. Cumin is seed of an annual small herb It is widely one of the widely used spices in our day-to-day cuisines. Cumin along with Coriander forms a major ingredient of Curry Powder and other Spice Blends. Cumin contains calcium, vitaminA, sodium, iron, magenisum and phosphorous.
