Is the spice Curcuma cumin?

Question

I have a recipe that calls for cumin...is Curcuma in Germany the same thing as Cumin?

Answer 1

Yes - same thing

Answer 2

The German name for Cumin is "Kreuzkümmel". Look for a little plastic can from "Ostmann", it lists both names.

It looks like this:

https://www.ostmann.de/xtcommerce/images...

You can buy it online at www.ostmann.de (Art.Nr.: 04191) or in supermarkets.

Ostmann also carries Kurkuma/Curcuma, better known as "Gelbwurz" or "Yellow root". But this is a different spice.

And the "Kümmel" Alwin mentioned is yet another plant with a totally different taste, so watch it!

Answer 3

No, it isn't. The German spice Kümmel (which is grown domestically) is very much different in taste than the Asian grown cumin. The plant is the same, but the taste is different. "Curcuma" is the latin (botanical) name for all cumin plants. The German grown cumin is the mildest, so you can use lots of it, whereas the cumin grown in warmer climates may be stronger, and you need less.

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edit:

t_maia is right, I was wrong. I won't delete my answer, however, because it still may contribute to let you know the difference.

Answer 4

Curcuma is turmeric.  Cumin is Kreuzkümmel and Caraway is Kümmel.

If you cannot find Kreuzkümmel at the supermarket, try the Asian shops.  Cumin is an ingredient in Indian foods, also.  So is Turmeric, which gives the yellow colour.