Cumin is the dried seed of the herb Cuminum cyminum, a member of the parsley family. The cumin plant grows to 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall and is harvested by hand. It is an annual herbaceous plant, with a slender, glabrous, branched stem that is 20–30 cm (8–12 in) tall and has a diameter of 3–5 cm (11⁄4–2 in).

The yellowy brown oval shaped seeds can be used whole or ground into a powder. Cumin is the dried seed of the herb called Cuminum cyminum, which is a member of the parsley family. Cumin gives a warm pungent flavour and brings out the natural sweetness of the dish.

Cumin was also used heavily in ancient Roman cuisine. In India, it has been used for millennia as a traditional ingredient in innumerable recipes, and forms the basis of many other spice blends. Cumin was introduced to the Americas by Spanish and Portuguese colonists. Black and green cumin are used in Persian cuisine.