Cumin is a major component of curry and chilli powders that is used to add flavour to curries due to its earthy, nutty, spice and warm taste it adds to dishes.
It is recognised as safe for human consumption as a spice and flavouring.
Cumin is quite popular in South East Asia and across the Mediterranean regions.
It's known for its health benefits like promoting digestion, improving blood circulation and as a good antioxidant.
I personally prefer to use cumin in cooking rather than as a supplement.
However, breastfeeding, pregnant or women trying to get pregnant (men and women), those on diabetes and blood pressure medication and those going for surgery should first consult their doctor before using it.
Use it in soups and stews
Cumin adds instant depth to any dish.
Try using ground Cumin rather than whole Cumin seed in recipes where you want the flavour to disperse evenly throughout.
Use in chili seasoning
If you like your dish spicy, adding cumin to your chili seasoning together with garlic and onions will create a savoury and well balanced spice.
Cumin is slightly hotter than paprika but less hotter than chilli.
Use in creamy dips
From cheesy dips to avocado dips. Cumin goes well with dips. Dips are good with chips, quesadillas or tacos or even vegetables.
Use in Mexican and Indian dishes
Adding cumin in dishes that involve lamb, beef, pork, chicken or fish as a marinade or during roasting will enrich your dish.
The spice is the perfect ingredient when you want to add warmth and earthiness to a variety of dishes.