What is the Difference Between Coriander and Cumin

The main difference between coriander and cumin is that coriander has a slight sweetness to it while cumin has a slightly bitter taste.   

Though these spices have different flavor profiles, they are often used together as they perfectly complement each other. Both these spices are easy to find and available in many grocery stores. Coriander seeds are round and have a brighter coloring while cumin seeds are a bit elongated, have a slightly curved shape and darker coloring.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Coriander 
     – Definition, Properties, Use
2. What is Cumin
     – Definition, Properties, Use
3. Similarities Between Coriander and Cumin
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Coriander and Cumin
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Coriander, Cumin

What is Coriander

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae, and all its parts are edible. Coriander seeds (dried fruit used as a spice) and fresh leaves are the parts that are commonly used in cooking. Seeds have a round shape and slightly pointed on one end where they have a tiny nub (point where they were attached to the stem). These seeds have a light brown, almost yellow, coloring. They have an earthy, tart and sweet taste. When crushed, they also have a citrus flavor. Moreover, heating the seeds in a pan may heighten their flavor and aroma.

Coriander seeds are available as both dried form and ground form (as seeds and powder). Coriander powder quickly loses its flavor in storage, so it’s best to grind them fresh. Moreover, coriander is a primary ingredient in garam masala, and in many Indian curries. Coriander is usually used with cumin as they have flavors that perfectly complement each other.

What is Cumin

Cumin is a spice made from the dried seed of a flowering plant known as Cuminum cyminum. It is one of the most popular spices in the world and is used in Indian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Cumin seeds are long and narrow, are light to medium brown in color. They look like small, pointed grains of rice and have lighter colored stripes running the length of them. Cumin has an earthy, nutty, somewhat smoky flavor, and there is also a slight bitterness to it.

Cumin is available both as whole seeds as well as in the ground form. Ground form is made by grinding dry-roasted cumin seeds. Like with coriander, roasting cumin seeds and then grinding the seeds can heighten their flavor and aroma. When compared to coriander powder, cumin powder has a darker color. You can identify these two powders based on this color difference. Cumin is a commonly used ingredient in chili powder, garam masala, curry powder, and some other spice blends.

Similarities Between Coriander and Cumin

• Coriander and cumin have an earthy taste and perfectly complement each other.
• They are available both as whole seeds as well as in the ground form.
• We use both coriander and cumin in spice blends like garam masala and curry powder.
• Lightly roasting the seeds and then grinding them can heighten their flavor and aroma.
• Moreover, these spices are popular all over the world and are available in many grocery stores.

Difference Between Coriander and Cumin

Definition

Coriander is a spice made from the dried seed of an annual herb known as Coriandrum sativum while cumin is a spice made from the dried seed of a flowering plant known as Cuminum cyminum.

Appearance

Coriander seeds have a round shape and are slightly pointed on one end where they have a tiny nub. These seeds have a light brown, almost yellow coloring. In contrast, cumin seeds are long and narrow, are light to medium brown in color.

Taste

While coriander seeds have an earthy, tart and sweet taste, cumin has an earthy, nutty, somewhat smoky flavor.

Powder

Coriander powder has a light, more yellowish color than cumin powder.

Uses

Moreover, coriander is commonly used in desserts like sweet pastries, while cumin is often used with meats and savory dishes. However, we use both together in spice blends like garam masala and curry powder.

Conclusion

Coriander is a spice made from the dried seed of an annual herb known as Coriandrum sativum while cumin is a spice made from the dried seed of a flowering plant known as Cuminum cyminum. Coriander seeds are round and have a brighter coloring while cumin seeds are a bit elongated, have a slightly curved shape and darker coloring. Moreover, coriander has a slight sweetness to it while cumin has a slightly bitter taste.   

Reference:

1. “Coriander.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4 Aug. 2020, Available here.
2. Alfaro, Danilo. “Cumin: A Popular Spice in Many Cuisines.” The Spruce Eats, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Coriander Seeds” By Sanjay Acharya – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Seeds of Cumin” By Sanjay Acharya – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia