Spice Seekers
Cumin is rich in folklore. Not only is it a common spice used in ancient Egypt and India, it has a history of use steeped in mummification. This embalming agent is a member of the parsley family. Its seeds have been sought after by pharaohs and others. Native to Egypt, it was cultivated in the Middle East, India and China and came to be used as an alternative to the more expensive black pepper.
By the Middle Ages people believed cumin
could prevent infidelity for the one who carried it. More modern beliefs
suggest the power of this herb could keep away ‘the evil eye’. Hence in
countries like Germany and Italy it was added to bread to keep thieves from
stealing the loaves.
Fun Cumin Facts:· Cumin makes up a large proportion of curry powder and chili powder.
· Cumin is the second most popular spice in the world after pepper.
· Cumin was once used to pay taxes.
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