Spices and Condiments (1+1)

Description of the plant

• The cumin plant belongs to the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) or the carrot family. It is a small, slender, annual herb of about 30-45 cm height, with a much-branched angular or striated stem bearing 2 or 3 linear leaves, bluish green in colour and having a sheathing base. The flowers are white or rose coloured, borne in compound umbels. The fruits are greyish, bristly, about 0.6 cm long, tapering towards both base and apex and compressed latterly with ridges covered by papillose hairs. The hairs may be absent in some forms.