Ground Cumin

Most of us are familiar with chili, one of the popular spicy stews with is associated to Mexican cuisine. This dish will not taste the same, if you avoid using one of the important ingredients, i.e., ground cumin. Cumin is a spice that is said to have been used by humans, for many centuries. In fact, it is believed that ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used this spice for culinary, cosmetic as well as medicinal purposes to avail themselves of cumin benefits. Native to Egypt, cumin is now widely cultivated and used in India, China, countries in the Middle-East, Mediterranean region, etc. It is highly valued in the regional cuisine of India, Mexico and Middle-East countries. This spice is available in both whole and ground forms.

What is Ground Cumin

It is nothing other than cumin seeds in the ground form. Cumin seed is a popular spice and is the dried seeds of the plant Cuminum cyminum, which is a member of the parsley family. These seeds resemble caraway, but have a peppery flavor with a slight lemony touch. The unique flavor of this spice makes it one of the indispensable ingredients in a whole lot of recipes.

Even though, packaged ground cumin is available in super markets, it will be always better to prepare it fresh at home. Grinding cumin is not a difficult task, as all you have to do is to make a powder of cumin seeds. You may do it with a mortar or pestle or even a rolling pin. But, the result may not be a fine powder. If you want it fine, use a spice grinder or a coffee grinder. But, if you want the perfect ground cumin flavor, then, make sure to toast these seeds, before grinding. Toasting brings out the aromatic nutty flavor of this spice.

Ground cumin has a stronger flavor than whole seeds. If you want it as a replacement for whole seeds, then, use a lesser amount. For example, if you need 2 ½ teaspoons of whole cumin seeds, you may replace it with around two teaspoons of ground cumin. But, it is always better to store whole cumin seeds, as ground cumin loses its flavor, with time. So, grind the seeds as and when needed.

Ground Cumin Substitutes

As stated above, you may use whole cumin seeds as a ground cumin substitute. But, in such case, use appropriate quantity of cumin seeds. Whole cumin as well as its ground form have a unique flavor that no other spice can replace. But, if you are in a real hurry, then, you may go for ground caraway, as a ground cumin substitute. Some people use coriander powder for this purpose, but, it may not produce the same flavor. Even anise seeds are said to evoke a similar flavor. But, use these substitutes in lesser amounts only. A combination of anise seeds and caraway, in the ground form, may also be used for this purpose. In kitchen, it is always better to have a basic idea about food substitutions that may prove useful at times.

In short, ground cumin is a spice with a strong and unique flavor and is an indispensable ingredient in many recipes. Apart from the flavor, this spice is also said to have nutritional benefits. Cumin seeds are said to be good for digestion and offers a lot of health benefits. So, include it in your diet through recipes that call for this spice.