Cumin Seed
Cumin, a spice originating from Asia, resembles with its dried seeds optically - but not taste-wise - caraway. Already being used in the oriental cuisine of the ancient world, cumin was later cultivated in Europa for healing purposes during the medieval times. Today's main growing areas are Iran, India, China and the southern Mediterranean region.
The seeds of the plant ripen in late summer. During the harvesting process, the plants are cut off before the cut stems together with leaves and seeds are being placed in the sun to dry.
The extracted seeds are traded either whole or ground.