Cumin and caraway are regularly confused with each other. That's not so strange: at first glance the seeds look similar and the English name of caraway, caraway, adds even more confusion. Still, they are two very different spices, each with its own taste, aroma and use.
In this blog we explain the differences between cumin and caraway, when to use which spice and why black cumin (nigella) is again a very different story.
What is cumin?
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), also known as djinten, is a spice that has been used for thousands of years in cuisines around the world. The elongated yellow-brown seeds have a warm, spicy and slightly nutty flavor with a subtle bitterness.
Cumin is indispensable in, among others:
- Indian curries
- Mexican chili con carne
- Middle Eastern dishes
- Moroccan tagines
- Falafel and hummus
- Taco and burrito seasonings
At Natural Spices you'll find both whole and ground cumin. Check out our Cumin Seed Whole (Djinten) for the most intense flavor experience.