Cumin seeds are small, brown seeds that come from a flowering plant in the parsley family. They have a warm, nutty flavor and are commonly used as a spice in many cuisines around the world. Cumin is often added to dishes such as curries, stews, chili, and Mexican foods like tacos and enchiladas. The seeds can be ground into a powder or left whole, and they are also used in some traditional medicine practices for their digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.