The difference between cumin and coriander

Cumin and coriander are considered complementary spices and are so often used together in recipes that it can be difficult to tell them apart.

When used separately, it becomes apparent that each is quite unique and has many interesting benefits on its own.

What is the difference between cumin and coriander?

The main difference between cumin and coriander is their flavors, which work very well together, but each one is very different and special. The two spices come from different plants and therefore also have totally unique nutritional values. They even look different!

There are some similarities between cumin and coriander, but many more differences. In this article, we’ll take a look at the defining characteristics of each spice so you can always be sure you’re looking for the right ingredient for your recipes. Let’s start by getting to know each of the spices a little.

If you like good spices and seasonings, be sure to check out our article on the best spice racks!

What is cumin?

Cumin is a herb, a flowering plant, the seeds of which are used to flavor food.

It is native to the Middle East and is commonly used in cuisines in this area, but it also appears regularly in food cultures in many other areas of the world.

One of the most common questions surrounding this spice is, curiously, how the word itself is pronounced.

The correct pronunciation of cumin is like saying the letter “Q” (kyoo) followed by “mun.” Q-mun. Cumin.

Jeera, or Jeerakam, is the Hindi word for cumin and is often called that, especially in reference to jeera water, which is essentially a cumin tea that is very popular as a weight loss drink.

What is coriander?

Cilantro is an herb of which all parts are used, from the seeds to the leaves.

Depending on where you are in the world, you can refer to fresh cilantro as coriander or Chinese parsley.

It is actually related to parsley and is also part of the carrot and celery families.

Coriander seeds, known as Dhania in Hindi, are often mispronounced, emphasizing the “co” sound as in “co-op”, when it is actually more of a “caw” sound. Caw-ri-an-der.

No matter how you pronounce it, most cooks will know what you mean. The seeds are often used both whole and ground, and they make a wonderful addition to your spice rack staple.

cumin vs. Cilantro

Cumin and coriander are used extensively and often in Indian cooking, and their flavors complement each other perfectly, which is why they are often used together in recipes.

However, when used separately, each can bring unique flavors to your meals and they hold up quite well on their own.

Do cumin and coriander taste the same?

Actually, cumin and coriander taste quite different. Both have a certain earthy flavor that is common to many spices, and can add a touch of heat to your recipe, but that’s where the vague similarities end.

Cumin has an almost smoky , nutty flavor that sometimes resembles citrus to the point of being slightly bitter.

Aside from curry, it is commonly used in chili and other Latin American cuisines to give food a bit of smoke and heat.

Coriander seeds, on the other hand, have a lighter, brighter flavor that can be described as somewhere between citrusy and floral . The flavor is deeper when the seeds are ground, and the powdered form has a nuttier touch.

Do cumin and coriander look the same?

Cumin and coriander seeds also look completely different. Cumin seeds are long and narrow, almost like a tiny, spiky grain of rice . They are light or medium brown in color and have lighter stripes running the length of them.

Coriander seeds are almost completely round , although they are slightly pointed at one end and have a small point where they join the stem of your plant at the other end. They are also light brown in color, but more yellowish.

Nutritional benefits of cumin vs. coriander

Both spices are impressive for the amount of nutrients they can contain in such small seeds. The following payload compares the basic nutritional information between the two.

As you can see, both are quite rich in vitamins and minerals, but cumin is particularly impressive in iron content, while coriander is a source of fiber. They work well together in flavor and nutrition , so feel free to use them together in all your recipes to maximize the nutritional benefits of both.

They also have individual health benefits, which we’ll discuss below.

cumin seeds benefits

Cumin is believed to be one of the healthiest spices you can add to your meals and has been used as a medicinal plant for generations in traditional medicine.

Most commonly, it is used to improve digestion, increasing the activity of proteins or digestive enzymes in your intestine, which helps you to better process fats and other nutrients.

Cumin is also an incredibly rich source of iron , which is one of the most common mineral deficiencies and is notoriously difficult and potentially even dangerous to supplement. Getting it naturally through a diet flavored with the delicious taste of cumin is a smart and healthy solution.

It also has antibacterial properties, which is not only good for your health, but also makes cumin a popular ingredient in blended flavorings and spices, as it has been shown to reduce the frequency of foodborne illness.

Like most plants, it also has a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your overall health.

coriander benefits

Like cumin and other plants, coriander has a veritable array of nutrients and antioxidants that can protect your heart health and boost your metabolic system , among other general health improvements.

Also similar to cumin, coriander has many digestive benefits and is also highly antibacterial. It has been found to be useful in cases of irritable bowel syndrome, as well as urinary and other infections.

Specifically, coriander’s ability to improve brain health has been studied, apparently thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties . It is being considered as a possible treatment for everything from anxiety to Alzheimer’s disease.

Cumin and coriander: A partnership

We’ve seen many of the differences between cumin and coriander, and now it’s time to consider how these differences can work in harmony together, developing a delicious and nutritious flavor combination for many of your recipes.

Cumin and coriander go so well together that many savvy cooks will create their own powder mix, fusing the two together for easy application in all their future recipes. 

You can mix already ground spices in equal measures, or enjoy the whole process of roasting, grinding and mixing yourself.

You will need about 3 tablespoons each of cumin seeds and coriander seeds . Add them to a pan, without the need for oil or water, and heat them over a very low heat until you start to notice their fragrant, smoky aroma. Normally this only takes a few minutes.

Once lightly toasted, you can use a petal and pestle to grind them yourself or, more likely, simply add them to a food processor and blend until a fine powder forms.

You can transfer this mixture to a spice jar if you have one available, or just any airtight jar or container.

Recipes with cumin and coriander

The combination of cumin and coriander is most often seen in Indian dishes like Chana Masala, Aloo Gobi, Palak Paneer, Rogan Josh, and of course, samosas. These two spices can also be used in many other recipes.

Here are some ideas for you to consider:

• Use as a rub for chicken, pork chops, or lamb
• Add to stews, chilis or soup bases
• Flavor your roasted vegetables
• Add it to the cooking water for grains such as rice, quinoa or even couscous
• Flavors sauces, dressings and dips like hummus
• Crack the seeds and mix them with the honey for a unique combination of sweet and spicy flavor
• Pour hot water over them for a relaxing and calming tea or add them to hot cocoa to deepen their flavor

Related questions

Are cumin and turmeric the same?

No, cumin and turmeric are very different spices. Cumin, as we have discussed in this article, are seeds that are used for flavoring, while turmeric is a root that is very similar to ginger. Both are common ingredients in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

When ground, cumin is a light brown with an orange tinge, while turmeric is a bright, almost neon yellow, the color for which it is best known.

Are cilantro and coriander the same thing?

Cilantro and coriander come from the same plant, yes. In most of the Americas, the fresh green leaves are called cilantro, while Europeans often just say fresh cilantro. In both cases, the dried or ground seeds are called coriander.

What are the best substitutes for cumin and coriander?

Both cumin and coriander have unique flavors, so other ingredients should be substituted if necessary. Depending on your recipe, the cumin can usually be substituted with caraway or chili seeds, to taste.

Coriander seeds would be better substituted with fennel seeds, although these also have a distinctive flavor, or cardamom seeds. In both cases, use the substitute carefully, as you’ll probably need less than cilantro, which has a very light flavor.