History and Origin of Cumin

Cumin is a spice that originates from a geographical region spreading from the Mediterranean to east of India. The history of cumin goes back over 5000 years to ancient Egypt where it was used it as a spice in foods as well as in the mummification process. Cumin can also be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. Interestingly, people believed that cumin kept chickens and lovers from wandering. The myth also says that a happy life awaited the loving couple who brought cumin to their wedding ceremony.  

Cumin is mentioned in the Bible (Old Testament, Isaiah 28:27), where the planting of cumin is explained as farming, a practice ascribed as coming from God.