Is Cumin and Jeera the Same?

Yes, cumin and jeera are the same spice. Jeera is simply the Hindi word for cumin. These small, brownish seeds are a key ingredient in Indian cooking and are known for their distinctive earthy, warm flavour with a slightly bitter undertone that becomes more pronounced when toasted.

Why the different names?

The different names come from various languages and regional traditions. While "cumin" comes from Latin, "jeera" is the Hindi term that's widely used across India and in Indian cooking worldwide. Both refer to exactly the same spice with identical properties and uses.

What both names refer to

• The same brown, boat-shaped seeds
• The same plant species (Cuminum cyminum)
• The same warm, earthy flavour and aroma
• The same culinary uses in tempering, spice blends, and ground applications
  

Other common names for cumin/jeera

• Jira (Gujarati)
• Zeera (Urdu)
• Ziran (Chinese)
• Comino (Spanish)
• Kümmel (German - though this can also refer to caraway)
• Cumin (French and English)

When shopping for Indian recipes, you might see "jeera" listed in ingredients. You can use any cumin seeds labelled as either "cumin" or "jeera" - there's no difference between them. In Indian grocery stores and recipes, jeera is the more commonly used term. This spice is perfect for tempering (tadka), spice blends like garam masala, and ground fresh for curries. Whether you're making jeera rice or adding it to your spice collection, you'll get the same authentic flavour regardless of what the package calls it.