Cumin seed

What Is Cumin Seed?

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) belongs to the Apiaceae family. Its familiar aromatic “seeds” are botanically dried fruits. Whole or ground cumin adds warm, earthy flavor to foods and spice blends.

Traditional Culinary and Herbal Context

Cumin has a long history in South Asian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It also appears in traditional after-meal spice mixtures and herbal infusions. Traditional use does not, by itself, establish that a preparation treats a medical condition.

Plant Part and Preparation

The material commonly sold as cumin seed is the dried fruit. It may be used whole, crushed or ground. This is different from a concentrated cumin essential oil, and from black cumin or black seed oil, which comes from another plant, Nigella sativa.

Cumin in SpeedyVite Products

Stomach Soothing Tea currently lists organic cumin seed among its six botanical ingredients. This description reflects the product's published ingredient list; check the package label for your batch.

Sources and Further Reading

• Kew Plants of the World Online: Cuminum cyminum L.
• Kew Medicinal Plant Names Services: cumin identity
• SpeedyVite Stomach Soothing Tea ingredient listing