Cumin is a distinctive spice widely used in cooking, especially for grilled dishes and certain Asian cuisines, imparting a unique and strong aroma.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Cumin: a distinct spice for cooking.
- Common in BBQ and Asian dishes.
- Adds a unique, strong flavor.
Overview
孜然（学名：Cuminum cyminum），也被称为枯茗，是一种原产于地中海东部和印度的伞形科植物的种子。它是一种非常重要的香料，在世界各地的烹饪中都有广泛的应用，尤其是在中东、印度、墨西哥和中国西北部的菜肴中。孜然的种子呈细长椭圆形，颜色通常为黄褐色，具有一种浓郁、略带苦涩和辛辣的独特香气。
孜然主要以两种形式使用：整粒种子或磨成粉末。整粒种子在烹饪过程中会释放出更温和、复杂的风味，通常在炒菜或炖煮时使用。而孜然粉则风味更浓烈，易于均匀地分布在食物表面，常用于腌料、烧烤调料、撒料或制作咖喱粉等复合香料。根据菜肴的需要，可以调整孜然的用量，但过量可能导致味道过于突出，掩盖其他食材的原味。
孜然最常见的烹饪场景是烧烤。无论是烤肉串、烤羊肉还是烤蔬菜，撒上孜然粉都能带来标志性的风味。在中国，孜然是新疆菜、兰州拉面等西北风味菜肴不可或缺的调料，常与辣椒粉、花椒等一起使用。在中东和印度，孜然是咖喱、炖菜和米饭的常用香料。此外，它也用于一些面包、汤和酱料的制作中。
与孜然（Cumin）相似的香料包括小茴香（Fennel）和莳萝（Dill）。小茴香的种子形状与孜然相似，但味道更甜，带有甘草的香气。莳萝的种子较小，味道也与孜然和风味不同，更偏向于清新的草本香气。在烹饪中，这三种香料不能完全互相替代，因为它们各自的风味特点非常鲜明。孜然的独特之处在于其浓郁、略带烟熏感的辛辣风味。
Examples
这羊肉串撒了孜然粉，味道特别香。
everydayThese lamb skewers are sprinkled with cumin powder, making them smell especially fragrant.
在制作咖喱时，加入适量的孜然可以提升整体风味。
formalWhen making curry, adding an appropriate amount of cumin can enhance the overall flavor.
晚上烧烤，别忘了带点孜然。
informalBarbecuing tonight, don't forget to bring some cumin.
孜然作为一种重要的香辛料，在传统中亚和南亚美食中扮演着核心角色。
academicAs an important spice, cumin plays a central role in traditional Central and South Asian cuisines.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
孜然羊肉
Cumin lamb
孜然烤翅
Cumin roasted wings
孜然炒饭
Cumin fried rice
Often Confused With
Fennel seeds are often confused with cumin, but fennel has a sweeter, anise-like flavor, while cumin is more pungent and earthy.
Coriander seeds have a milder, citrusy, and slightly floral taste, distinct from the strong, warm flavor of cumin.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Cumin is a widely used spice with a distinctive aroma. It is particularly popular in barbecue dishes and cuisines from Western China, the Middle East, and India. The intensity of its flavor means it's often used in moderation, but recipes vary. It can be used whole or ground.
Common Mistakes
Beginners might confuse cumin with similar-looking spices like fennel or coriander, leading to unexpected flavor profiles. Overusing cumin can easily dominate a dish, so it's advisable to start with smaller quantities. Ensure you are using cumin and not a spice blend if a specific flavor is desired.
Tips
Enhance Your Grilling Experience
Sprinkle cumin powder on meats and vegetables before grilling to achieve that classic smoky and aromatic flavor.
Avoid Overuse
Cumin has a strong flavor. Using too much can overpower other ingredients, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Key Spice in Western China
Cumin is essential to the cuisine of China's western regions, especially Xinjiang, where it's heavily featured in lamb dishes and street food.
Word Origin
The word 'cumin' comes from the Greek 'kyminon', which itself derives from Semitic languages. The Chinese word '孜然' (zī rán) doesn't have a direct etymological link to the English word but refers to the same spice, likely adopted due to its distinctiveness.
Cultural Context
In many cultures, particularly along the Silk Road and in South Asia, cumin is not just a spice but also holds traditional medicinal value for aiding digestion. Its aroma is strongly associated with festive occasions and communal cooking, like outdoor barbecues.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'lazy' (孜 Zī) person who only wants to eat 'reason' (然 rán)ably good food, so they always add cumin to their simple meals for a big flavor boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions不一样。孜然（Cumin）和香菜籽（Coriander）是两种不同的香料。它们虽然都属于伞形科，但味道和用途有很大区别。孜然味道浓郁辛辣，而香菜籽味道偏清香，略带柑橘味。
孜然粉是把孜然粒磨成的粉末，风味更浓烈，更容易散开。孜然粒则保持完整，释放的风味更温和，通常在烹饪过程中长时间加热使用。两者可以根据需要选择使用。
孜然常用于烧烤类菜肴，如烤羊肉串、烤鸡翅等。在中国，新疆菜、兰州拉面等西北菜肴中也大量使用。此外，中东和印度的咖喱、炖菜中也常见孜然的身影。
在烹饪中，孜然主要用于调味，增添独特的风味。从中医角度看，孜然性温，有温中散寒、开胃进食的作用，常用于缓解腹胀、食欲不振等症状。
Test Yourself
在烤羊肉串的时候，撒上一些_____粉，味道会非常好。
孜然是烤羊肉串的经典调料，能带来独特的风味。
孜然的味道通常被描述为：
孜然以其独特浓郁、略带辛辣和微苦的香气而闻名。
选择最合适的句子。
这个句子结构完整，语法正确，清晰地表达了使用孜然进行烧烤的喜好。
Score: /3
Summary
Cumin is a distinctive spice widely used in cooking, especially for grilled dishes and certain Asian cuisines, imparting a unique and strong aroma.
- Cumin: a distinct spice for cooking.
- Common in BBQ and Asian dishes.
- Adds a unique, strong flavor.
Enhance Your Grilling Experience
Sprinkle cumin powder on meats and vegetables before grilling to achieve that classic smoky and aromatic flavor.
Avoid Overuse
Cumin has a strong flavor. Using too much can overpower other ingredients, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Key Spice in Western China
Cumin is essential to the cuisine of China's western regions, especially Xinjiang, where it's heavily featured in lamb dishes and street food.
Examples
4 of 4这羊肉串撒了孜然粉，味道特别香。
These lamb skewers are sprinkled with cumin powder, making them smell especially fragrant.
在制作咖喱时，加入适量的孜然可以提升整体风味。
When making curry, adding an appropriate amount of cumin can enhance the overall flavor.
晚上烧烤，别忘了带点孜然。
Barbecuing tonight, don't forget to bring some cumin.
孜然作为一种重要的香辛料，在传统中亚和南亚美食中扮演着核心角色。
As an important spice, cumin plays a central role in traditional Central and South Asian cuisines.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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一斤
B1Half a kilogram; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 500g).
一两
B1Fifty grams; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 50g).
AA制
A2To split the bill; go Dutch.
一袋
B1A bag of.
一口
B1A mouthful; a bite; a small amount (of food or drink).
少一点儿
A2A bit less.
多一点儿
A2A bit more.
一瓶
B1A bottle of.
一碗
B1Measure word for a bowl of food.
一盒
B1A box of.
