McCormick Ground Cumin

McCormick Cumin, Ground 14oz 396g - FAQ

Q: What is ground cumin?

A: Ground cumin is simply the dried seeds of the plant Cuminum cyminum (a member of the parsley family) finely milled into a powder - so you get all the warm, earthy flavor in a convenient form.

Q: Why is cumin so widely used?

A: Cumin has a long history of culinary and cultural use - appearing in ancient Egypt and in Biblical texts - and today it's a global staple because it adds depth and character to dishes.

Q: What does ground cumin taste like?

A: Its flavor is rich, warming, and slightly nutty with an earthy edge. It harmonizes beautifully with chili, burritos, enchiladas, curries and many savory spice blends.

Q: How is ground cumin used in chili and burritos?

A: In chili, ground cumin is almost essential - it contributes the underlying warm note behind the chili pepper. In burritos, it helps round out the meat or bean filling with that classic Tex-Mex flavor. When building spice rubs, sauces or chili blends, cumin is often one of the first spices to reach for.

Q: How should I store ground cumin for best flavor?

A: Store it in a cool, dark, airtight container. While whole seeds retain their oils longer, ground cumin will gradually lose potency - so make sure to buy what you can use in a year or so.

Q: Should I use less ground cumin than whole seeds?

A: Yes. Ground cumin releases its flavor immediately, so you'll often need less than you'd use if you were grinding seeds fresh. Start conservatively and adjust to taste.

Q: What cuisines commonly feature ground cumin?

A: Many! You'll find cumin in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine (chili, tacos, burritos), Indian curry powders, Middle Eastern spice mixes, North African tagines, and hearty stews from many traditions.

Q: Are there any substitution tips for ground cumin?

A: If you don't have ground cumin, you can grind whole cumin seeds if available, or use ground coriander with a pinch of chili for milder flavor. But the signature taste of cumin is hard to fully replicate - so it's one spice worth keeping on hand.

Q: What should you be careful about when using ground cumin?

A: Because cumin's flavor is bold and aromatic, it's easy to overuse. Too much cumin can dominate a dish and push aside other flavors - so measure carefully, especially if you're trying it for the first time in a recipe.