It comes from the parsley family. The seeds are oval with ridges, greenish-beige in colour, warm, nutty aroma and a taste that is bitter, but not hot. They can be ground to a powder. The oblong, brown-coloured cumin seed is one of the most popular spices in the world, thanks to its distinctive aroma, and warmly bitter flavour. It can be used raw, but is generally roasted to enhance the flavour and aroma, and sometimes also powdered before use.