Thai Herbs - Cumin

Cumin: “Yi-ra” in Thai

The seed contains a 2-4% volatile oil with a pungent odour. It looks like caraway and fennel, but taste quite different and have to be heated to release their aroma. Cumin’s therapeutic properties manifest as a stomachic, bitter tonic, carminative, stimulant and astringent. It is used as a flavouring and condiment. Only cumin is used in Thai cooking, mainly in the making of curry pastes.