Cumin in ancient Roman Empire

Ancient peoples such as the Egyptian, the Arab and the Roman made extensive uses of spices, not only to add flavor to foods and beverages, but as medicines, disinfectants, incenses, stimulants and even as aphrodisiac agents.

Cumin is mentioned in the Bible, both the Old and New Testament, where it is said that cumin was used as currency to pay “tithe” to the priests. It was also known in Ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used as a kind of pepper.

Cumin seeds were highly honored as a culinary seasoning in Roman kitchens and was used heavily in ancient Roman cuisine. Cumin has been used on meat in addition to other common seasonings.

The Romans also used it medicinally and cosmetically to induce a pallid complexion. Cumin's popularity was partly due to the fact that its peppery flavor made it a viable replacement for black pepper, which was very expensive and hard to come by.
Cumin in ancient Roman Empire