Cumin

Cuminum cyminum

Seeds per pack ~ 100 

Germination: 75% Packed for 2024

Cuminum cyminum, commonly known as cumin, is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean to South Asia. Cumin seeds are used as a spice for their distinctive aroma, an essential component in many spice blends and cuisines, particularly in South Asian, Northern African, and Latin American cuisines.

The plant is small and herbaceous, growing to 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall, with a slender, branched stem. The leaves are 5–10 cm long, pinnate or bipinnate, with thread-like leaflets. The flowers are small, white or pink, and borne in umbels. The fruit, commonly referred to as the "seed," is oblong, about 5–6 mm long, with a grooved surface.

Cumin seeds are usually dried and can be used whole or ground to a powder. They have a warm, earthy flavor and aroma with a bit of both sweetness and bitterness. The seeds are often used in the cooking of many dishes as they impart a distinctive spicy, nutty flavor. Apart from its culinary uses, cumin has also been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including as a stimulant, as a digestive aid, and to treat colic and dyspepsia.

Planting Cuminum cyminum (cumin) involves the following steps, typically suited for warm climates or during the warmer seasons in temperate zones:

Cumin thrives in a hot, Mediterranean-like climate. It requires a long, hot summer of 3-4 months with temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F) to mature properly. Planting should occur in late spring after the last frost has passed, ensuring a warm growing period ahead. Cumin prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.8 and 8.3. The planting area should be tilled to a fine texture to allow the tiny seeds to make good contact with the soil. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can improve soil fertility and structure.

Cumin seeds are small and should be sown shallowly, at a depth of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). They can be broadcast over a larger area or planted in rows 15 to 20 cm (6-8 inches) apart. If planting in rows, space the seeds about 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) apart within the row.

After planting, water the area gently but thoroughly to moisten the soil. Cumin needs regular watering, especially during dry spells, but the soil should be allowed to dry out between watering to prevent root rot. Cumin seeds typically germinate within one to two weeks. Once the seedlings are established and about 10 cm (4 inches) tall, thin them out to about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart, allowing enough space for the plants to grow.

Keep the area weed-free without disturbing the cumin roots. Cumin may need support as it grows, particularly in windy locations, to prevent the slender stems from bending or breaking.

Cumin plants take about 3-4 months to mature. The seeds are ready to harvest when the plant turns brown and the seeds within the umbels are dry. The entire plant can be cut and hung upside down in a dry, ventilated area to complete drying. Once dry, the seed heads can be threshed to separate the seeds.  Dry the seeds thoroughly before storing them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to preserve their flavor.  Growing cumin requires patience and care, especially in terms of watering and temperature management, to ensure a good yield of this aromatic spice.