Cumin whole, 1 kg

Cumin Seeds are the dry, yellowish or grayish-brown fruits of a small, slender flowering plant. Originating from eastern India and the eastern Mediterranean, it belongs to the Apiaceae family. An ancient Arabic book, "The Wisdom of Ages," contains passages about cumin: "If cumin is chewed with salt and swallowed, it removes excess moisture from the stomach. If roasted and then steeped in vinegar, it strongly strengthens the stomach and removes moist substances from it."

Thanks to its distinctive, spicy, and slightly pungent taste, cumin has secured a firm place in culinary arts and is often included in spice blends (such as garam masala and curry). Ground cumin is frequently used to season salads, cold appetizers, cheese spreads for sandwiches, and other dishes that do not require heat treatment.

As whole seeds, cumin is used in various baked goods, roasted and stewed vegetables, beetroot dishes, stuffed peppers, roasted potatoes, as well as in sauces and soups, especially borscht. Cumin is added to dishes with fermented dairy products: buttermilk, yogurt, homemade salted cheeses. It is one of the main components when pickling cucumbers, cabbage, and tomatoes. In hot dishes, cumin is recommended to be added either at the very beginning, if it needs to be roasted in oil, or 10-15 minutes before the dish is ready.