Two Unusual Properties of This Common Household Spice
Cumin is a common culinary spice derived from the dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum species. Not to be confused with black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) of which the trendsetting black seed oil is derived. The most popular type of cumin seed is sometimes referred to as "green cumin" which is the ground golden-brown powder common to kitchen spice racks around the world. Believed to be native to regions spanning from the Eastern Mediterranean to the subcontinent of India, the use of cumin dates back to cultures of this territory. The spice is well-known for its ancient historical use in Egypt, the Greek Minoan island of Crete as well as Morocco.