Shahzeera: The King Cumin

Its name has Persian roots: shah meaning “king” and zeera the word for “cumin.” It is the king of cumins.

While dark like black cumin, shahzeera is physically finer and much shorter. So maybe it is not king sized, but it is regal in its refinement. Shahzeera is more aromatic yet less pungent than both black cumin and common cumin (yellowy brown in colour).

When cooked, cumin (also called jeera in many parts of India) has a taste that lingers a bit longer while black cumin can overpower a dish. Shahzeera, in contrast, is more delicate with a touch of herbal sweetness. To my senses, shahzeera shares the fragrant strength of allspice but provides a flavour similar to caraway seeds. As such, I believe caraway seeds are the best substitute for shahzeera. Interestingly, caraway and the various types of cumin are all members of the parsley family.