Cumin seeds have a full aromatic lemon flavour and are often used ground (see Cumin Ground). To prepare the seed yourself, first roast in a hot, dry, frying pan for a few minutes and then grind using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. Cumin is an important ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking and is also used a s a topping for bread.

After pepper, coriander is probably the most widely used spice. The seeds have a warm, aromatic flavour but because of the indigestible husk they are usually used in the ground form (see Coriander Ground). Coriander is one of the essential ingredients of Indian cooking. The seeds may be ground using a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder. Try dry frying the seeds before grinding for extra flavour.

Allspice was named by early European visitors because the warm flavour seemed to combine the flavours of cumin, cloves and nutmeg. It is used in Caribbean regional cooking, as an ingredient in pickling vinegar and as an essential ingredient in the mix of spices for mulling wine and ale.