Cumin is derived from the seeds of the Apiaceae family of plants. Sold in whole and powdered form, it is a common ingredient in the dishes of the Mediterranean and India, where the plant grows natively.
The aroma of cumin is quite distinctive. Rich, earthy, and smoky, it is easily recognizable as the primary aromatic component of many types of chili preparations. It is also used in soups and stews, and a number of Brazilian, Indian, and South Asian dishes.
Cumin is thought to increase metabolism and bolster the immune system.