Cumin is an herb with a branchy and ribbed stem, leaves divided into filiform and acute laciniae, small, white or reddish flowers, and oval-shaped seeds, joined in twos, convex and grooved on one side, flat on the other another, brown in color, aromatic odor.

Whole cumin seeds work best when added to a broth where the seeds have a chance to warm and the oils disperse their flavor into the dish.