Cumin
Cumin is a spice of small seeds with a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter aroma, essential to Mexican cooking. It features in red mole, barbacoa, braised beans, and al pastor tacos. It is briefly dry-toasted on a comal before grinding to intensify its characteristic warm, smoky flavour.
Estimated retail price
~£1.49 / 40g
Typical price at UK Mexican grocers
Buy online
Can't find Cumin near you? You can also buy it online:
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How it's used in Mexican cooking
Cumin, part of the spices section of the Mexican pantry, appears in more than 20 recipes in our collection, including Beef Birria, Tacos al Pastor and Barbacoa Tacos. Each recipe shows step by step how it is added, in what quantity and which other ingredients it is paired with — the most reliable guide to how it is actually used in Mexican cooking.
Recipes with Cumin
Sopas Y CaldosBeef Birria
TacosTacos al Pastor
TacosBarbacoa Tacos
TacosCochinita Pibil Tacos
TacosBirria Tacos (Quesabirria)
StewsMexican Picadillo
StewsRed Chilli Stew
StewsRopa Vieja
EnchiladasRed Enchiladas
EnchiladasMiner's Enchiladas
MolesMole Poblano
MolesOaxacan Black Mole
MolesRed Mole
MolesOaxacan Yellow Mole
MolesGreen Mole
MolesRed Pipián
TamalesRed Pork Tamales
StewsChicken in Adobo
StewsChilorio (Sinaloan Shredded Pork)
StewsLamb Barbacoa
Storage and substitutes
How to store it
Store spices in airtight jars away from light, heat and moisture. Ground spices lose their aroma within months, while whole ones (cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns) keep it far longer — grind them just before use. Seasoning pastes such as achiote should be refrigerated once opened.
Frequently asked questions
How many recipes use Cumin?
Cumin is used in more than 20 recipes in our collection, such as Beef Birria and Tacos al Pastor. The full list, with a photo and link for each recipe, is on this page.
Where can I buy Cumin in the UK?
You can buy Cumin online via the Amazon link on this page, or look for it at Latin American grocers in the UK.
How should Cumin be stored?
Store spices in airtight jars away from light, heat and moisture. Ground spices lose their aroma within months, while whole ones (cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns) keep it far longer — grind them just before use. Seasoning pastes such as achiote should be refrigerated once opened.
Do you sell Cumin?
If you run a shop that stocks this product, register and showcase it to thousands of people.
Register my shop