Cumin is the dried seed of the herb Cuminum Cyminum, a member of the parsley family. Cumin seeds are similar to Fennel and Anise Seeds in appearance, but are smaller and darker in colour. It also resembles Caraway Seeds being oblong in shape, longitudinally ridged and yellowish brown in colour, like other members of the umbelliferae family such as caraway, parsley and dill.

Cumin can be used to season many dishes, either ground or as whole seeds as it draws out their natural sweetness. It helps to add an earthy and warm feeling to cooking, making it a staple in certain stews and soups as well. Cumin's distinctive flavour and strong, warm aroma is due to its essential oil content. Its important aroma compound is cuminaldehyde.