A Taste of Herbs & Spices: CUMIN

WHAT IS CUMIN?

Cumin is the dried seed of the herb Cuminum cyminum, which belongs to the parsley family. It has a yellow-brown color and is most widely recognized as a key seasoning in taco seasoning, curry powder, and chili powder. Cumin is commonly used in the cuisines of Mexico, Spain, India, North Africa, and the Middle East. In the United States, it is often associated with Mexican, Latin, and Tex-Mex recipes.

HOW CAN YOU USE CUMIN?

Cumin is used in ground form or as seeds. Ground cumin is more suitable for recipes than the cumin seed because the flavor can be more evenly distributed throughout the recipe. Cumin can be used in rubs, marinades, or as a seasoning. It goes best with vegetables, stews, legume-based soups, tofu, and meat.

HOW TO GROW CUMIN?

Cumin is an annual plant. Seeds should be planted to a depth of ¼ inch in the soil, four to six weeks before the last spring frost. Plants should be spaced four to eight inches apart. Let the plants dry between watering. The seeds should germinate in seven to fourteen days and will get 12 to 20 inches in height. To harvest the cumin seeds, cut the plant close to the ground after the flowers are dry and have turned brown. Place the clusters in a brown paper bag, hang upside down and allow to dry completely. After they are dried, rub the seed pods to release the seeds.

RECIPE

Taco Boats

(Adapted from Texas A&M AgriLife

Extension Service)

https://youtu.be/i53KeVXVZnA

Serving size: Makes 8

(1 serving is 1 Taco Boat)

162 calories per serving

270 mg of sodium per serving

INGREDIENTS • 8 ounces of lean ground beef • ½ cup finely diced onion • ½ cup diced fresh tomatoes • 1 teaspoon chili powder • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder • ½ teaspoon ground cumin • 1 (8 ounce) tube of reduced fat crescent rolls • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican blend cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Add the onion, tomatoes, chili powder, garlic

powder and cumin. Stir and continue to cook the ground beef until it is thoroughly done. Note: Ground beef should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F.

3. Remove ground beef mixture from heat and set aside.

On a large baking sheet, unroll the crescent rolls and press the seams together to make one large sheet. Next, cut the dough into eight squares.
Divide the beef mixture evenly among the eight squares and top with shredded cheese. Pinch the crescent roll around the filling to make a cup or boat to keep the filling inside while baking.