The small, curved cumin seeds are the dried fruit of a plant in the parsley family. They have a nutty flavor with a pleasant bitterness. Cumin is used widely in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Latin, and Asian cooking, and is often briefly toasted to bring out its warm flavors. Cumin seeds are widely available in the spice section of the supermarket. Ground cumin (pictured below) can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind, however, that cumin seeds will maintain their flavor longer than powder. Store either in a cool, dark place. Ground cumin should be kept for no longer than 6 months and cumin seeds for no longer than 12.