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Cumin Seed

Cumin seeds are aromatic seeds used whole or ground to season savory dishes, legumes, and spice blends.

Cumin seed — illustrative ingredient image

About Cumin Seed

Cumin seed is the dried seed of the cumin plant, used whole or ground as a culinary spice. Whole seeds season savory dishes, legumes, rice, breads, pickles, and spice blends, while ground seed is mixed into seasonings, sauces, and marinades.

It has a warm, earthy, aromatic flavour with a slightly bitter edge. The seeds are dry and firm before cooking; heating, especially tempering or toasting, intensifies their fragrance and changes their texture.

Cumin seeds are small, elongated, ridged, and usually tan to brown. They are sold whole or ground. Cooking softens whole seeds and releases their aroma, while grinding produces a finer seasoning that disperses through sauces, marinades, and spice blends.

Ingredient type
seasoning

Forms & related ingredients

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Where cumin seed appears

203 linked foods

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Ingredient connections awaiting review · Coverage is still growing, including packaged snacks.

Name examples awaiting language review. Confirm the specific food or product.

Local names for cumin seed

Names and romanised forms to recognise on menus and labels.

English

Cumin Seed

English

cumin seed (dried)

Search alias · Not a confirmed translation

English

Ground cumin seeds

Search alias · Not a confirmed translation

Available names only. Languages may be spoken in other countries; a name alone does not identify every ingredient in a dish.

Cumin Seed nutrition & diet

Cumin Seed nutritional value

Spices, cumin seed

Per 100 g of the edible portion in the recorded food form.

Calories
375kcal
Protein
17.8g
Carbs
44.2g
Fat
22.3g

Reference values for the specific food form shown. Other varieties, brands and preparations can differ.

Portions & preparation

Match the reference to whole dried cumin seeds and the portion used, distinguishing them from ground cumin. Note whether seeds are raw, toasted, fried in oil, soaked, or incorporated into a blend, and separate the edible seeds from any cooking medium or surrounding dish.

Compare the right form: Use a reference for whole dried cumin seed, matching raw, toasted, fried, soaked, or blended preparation and edible portion.

Diet considerations

Cumin seed is plant-derived. Whole seeds differ from ground spice mixtures, infused oils, pastes, and blends that may include salt, sugar, cereal ingredients, dairy, or animal-derived flavorings. The seed’s dietary contribution is portion-dependent; oil, coating, and the accompanying dish determine broader compatibility.

AI-authored reading notes · Awaiting editorial review. Measured values, where available, have a separate source above.

Dietary compatibility

  • Vegan
    Typically compatible
  • Vegetarian
    Typically compatible
  • Pescatarian
    Typically compatible
  • Keto
    Not established
  • Paleo
    May be compatible
  • Low-carb
    Not established
  • Halal
    Not established
  • Kosher
    Not established
What these diet assessments mean
Vegan · Typically compatible
The plain ingredient profile is plant, fungal or mineral based. Added ingredients in a prepared product need a separate check.
Vegetarian · Typically compatible
The plain ingredient profile is plant, fungal or mineral based. Added ingredients in a prepared product need a separate check.
Pescatarian · Typically compatible
The plain ingredient profile is plant, fungal or mineral based. Added ingredients in a prepared product need a separate check.
Keto · Not established
A defined serving and sourced carbohydrate data are needed before assessing this dietary pattern.
Paleo · May be compatible
May fit a paleo pattern, depending on the cut or form, processing and added ingredients.
Low-carb · Not established
A defined serving and sourced carbohydrate data are needed before assessing this dietary pattern.
Halal · Not established
Sourcing, processing and any applicable certification have not been verified. A food name alone does not establish halal status.
Kosher · Not established
Sourcing, processing and any applicable certification have not been verified. A food name alone does not establish kosher status.

For the plain ingredient · Awaiting review. Diet compatibility is not allergy suitability or halal/kosher certification. Keto and low-carb depend on the portion.

Reviewed ingredient entryIngredient reference · Preparations vary

AI-generated illustration for visual context. It does not identify a particular product or establish allergen content.

Sources & review

Nutrition reference: USDA FoodData Central — Spices, cumin seed ↗. Values are scaled from 100 g of the recorded edible form. Individual portions have no assumed fixed weight.

Expanded overview, name examples and nutrition notes are database drafts awaiting editorial review. Numeric nutrition values, where shown, have their own source and food-form reference.

The ingredient description and dish connections come from the draft catalogue and may change after review.

Last recorded verification: .