mm), a relatively high essential oil content,
and a large proportion of flowery linalool; the
Indian type has larger fruits (to 5 mm), a
lower oil content, less linalool, and several
aromatics not found in the European type.
Coriander seed is generally supplied
whole, with the two dry fruits still enclosed in
their husk. When it’s ground along with the
aromatic fruits, the brittle, fibrous husk makes
a good water absorber and thickener for
sauces (the liquid portion of a curry, for
example). Coarsely ground coriander is also
used to coat meats and fish and provide
flavor, crunch, and insulation at the same
time.
Cumin Cumin comes from a small annual
plant (Cuminum cyminum) native to southwest
Asia, and was enjoyed by the Greeks and
Romans; the Greeks kept it at the table in its
own box, much as pepper is treated today. For
some reason cumin largely disappeared from