Cumin, Imported from Jordan

Cumin, the second most popular spice in the world after black pepper, is a culinary gem that has graced the kitchens of diverse cultures for millennia. Its warm, earthy aroma and flavor profile, with hints of sweetness and bitterness, have become synonymous with the vibrant cuisines of Mexico, India, and the Middle East.

As Bedouins, we are intimately familiar with the versatility of cumin, incorporating it into our own traditional dishes like red lentil soup and hummus. The aromatic and flavorful seeds, surprisingly a fruit from the cumin plant belonging to the parsley family, are harvested by hand and come in shades ranging from brownish-yellow to black, green, and white.

Cumin's origins can be traced back over 5,000 years to ancient Iran, with archaeological evidence of its use dating back to 1400 BC and earlier in Syria and Egypt. The ancient Egyptians valued cumin for its preservative properties, using it to embalm mummies, while the Greeks and Romans kept containers of the spice on their tables, using it as a spread much like we do with peanut butter today.

Mentioned in the Old and New Testaments, cumin was revered for its beneficial farming practices, ascribed as a gift from God. In the Middle Ages, when spices were rare, cumin remained a common ingredient, believed to promote love and fidelity. People carried cumin cakes or bread in their pockets, and women baked these treats for their spouses, believing they would ensure their men's fidelity and safe return from long journeys.

Through Spanish and Portuguese colonization, cumin found its way into the rich culinary traditions of Central and South America, becoming a staple in chili and curry powders. Today, it is closely associated with Indian, Mexican, and Vietnamese cuisines, but its versatility extends to meats, pickles, cheeses, sausages, soups, chilies, and stews.

At The Bedouin Company, we take pride in our culinary heritage and curate our spices with utmost care. We buy cumin locally in Jordan, supporting small businesses like our own, and hand-pack it in Raleigh, NC, ensuring quality control and transparency standards. We not only sell these spices but also incorporate them into our own culinary traditions, attesting to their authenticity and quality.

Embrace the rich history and timeless flavor of cumin, a spice that has transcended borders and cultures, bringing warmth and depth to every dish it graces.