A member of the parsley family, cumin is the dried seed of the Cuminum herb. One of our absolute favourite spices, it is incredibly versatile due to its fine balance of nutty, spicy, bitter aromas, with a very gentle amount of citrus. This fine balance allows it to go well with everything from fish, dried legumes, meat and game to puddings, jellies and even ice cream. A spice with plenty of character yet never overbearing it is used extensively in cusines across the world. Very important in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine where it is, along with coriander one of the most widely used ingredients, it is just as present in North African, Mexican, Western Chinese and Cuban and even Brazilian cuisine. It has an uncanny ability to raise the level of simple ingredients, for this reason it is an absolute must in the kitchen pantry. If ever in doubt, add a little cumin - the ancient Romans loved it.