Wild cumin (lagoecia)

Lagoecia cuminoides

spice

Seeds used instead of cumin, in curries, cakes, bread and biscuits.

Origin

Eastern Mediterranean and Iran

Where to find it

On dry hillsides and screes in Greece, Turkey and the Levant; the seeds are harvested in late spring.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The seeds are used like cumin, whole or ground, toasted for a few seconds in hot oil; a pinch is enough.

Did you know?

In Iran it is called zireh-e-vahshi, “wild cumin”.