CUMIN - 3 reference results
cumin or cummin, low annual herb (Cuminum cyminum) of the family Umbelliferae (parsley family), long cultivated in the Old World for the aromatic seedlike fruits. The fruits resemble the related caraway and are similarly used in cooking. Cumin is an ingredient of curry powder; the oil is used for liqueurs and in veterinary practice and was formerly used in medicine. Cumin is mentioned in the Bible. For black cumin, see love-in-a-mist. Cumin is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Umbellales, family Umbelliferae.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia Copyright © 2004.
Licensed from Columbia University Press
Licensed from Columbia University Press
Small, slender annual herb (Cuminum cyminum) of the carrot family (Apiaceae). It is cultivated in the Mediterranean region, India, China, and Mexico. Its seeds, which are actually dried fruits, are used in many spice mixtures such as chili and curry powders. Cumin is especially popular in Asian, North African, and Latin American cuisines. Its oil is used in perfumes, for flavouring liquors, and for medicinal purposes.
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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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