Spice of the Month: Cumin
Popular since the fifteenth century, cumin remains a staple spice in numerous cuisines. Known for its bold flavor, cumin adds a warm undertone to many dishes.
Taste: Warm, earthy aroma; slightly bitter and very strong.
Tip: Because the essential oils in cumin are less volatile than other spices, cumin retains its flavor when exposed to high heat or cooked for a long period of time
Shelf Life: 6 months if properly stored
Storage: Store in a dry, cool cupboard or drawer in an airtight container.
Amount: A little goes a long way. Start with a dash and add more according to taste
Pairings: Beans, chicken, couscous, curry, eggplant, fish, lamb, lentils, peas, pork, potatoes, rice, sausages, soups, stews, eggs
Cuisines: Middle Eastern, Asian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Brazilian
Some recipes to get you going:
- Cumin Spiced Chicken with Chunky Tomato Sauce
- Simple Turkey Chili
- Cumin Spiced Chickpeas and Carrots on Couscous
- Cumin-Crusted Chilean Sea Bass