Cumin is an essential spice in any Indian kitchen and is also used in Garam Masala and Chat masala. It is made from the dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, which is a member of the parsley family. Cumin is a popular spice that is commonly used in Latin American, Middle Eastern, North African, and Indian cuisines, among many others. It is available both as whole seeds as well as in ground form. Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor and aroma with a bit of both sweetness and bitterness. The whole seeds need to be toasted in order to reach the optimum flavor.