Cumin is the dried, white fruit with the greyish brown color of a small slender annual herb. The surface of the fruit has 5 primary ridges, alternatively has 4 less distinct secondary ridges bearing numerous short hairs. The plant is 15 to 50 cm high. The aromatic seed-like fruit is elongated, ovoid, 3 to 6 mm long, slightly bitter and has a warm flavor. The flowers are white or rose-colored in small umbels.

Cumin seeds have an aromatic odor and bitter taste. It is used as a condiment and is an ingredient in curry powders, seasonings of bread, cakes, and cheese. It is employed in native dishes of Central and South America. In medicine, it is used as a stimulant, carminative, stomachic, and astringent. Cumin seed oil is used in perfumery and for flavoring liqueurs and cordials.