What is jeera?

Jeera, commonly known as cumin seeds in English, is a staple spice in many South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines. These small, oblong seeds come from the Cuminum cyminum plant and have a warm, earthy flavor with slight citrus notes. In Indian cooking, jeera is often the first spice added to hot oil or ghee (a process called "tempering") to release its aromatic oils. It's an essential ingredient in spice blends like garam masala and adds depth to curries, rice dishes, lentils, and vegetable preparations. Jeera also has digestive benefits and is sometimes consumed as a tea to aid digestion after heavy meals.