Cumin (ground)

Spices

Ground roasted cumin seeds. Earthy, warm, slightly bitter — the backbone of chili, curry, and taco seasoning.

Reviewed by the CupOrGram Editorial TeamSources: King Arthur Baking, USDA FoodData Central, in-house testingMethodology

Properties

Density Index
0.50 g/cm3
1 Cup Weight
120g
Texture
Dry
Category
Spice
Top Substitute

Caraway

Use 1:1

Same family (Apiaceae), similar earthiness. Sweeter, less smoky.

Most-used links for Cumin (ground)

Conversions

cupsgrams
1/4 cups30.0 grams
1/3 cups40.0 grams
1/2 cups60.0 grams
1 cups120 grams
1.50 cups180 grams
2 cups240 grams
3 cups360 grams
4 cups480 grams
Figures use the US cup (236.6 ml).
Density: 0.5 g/ml
Quick Convert

Ingredient-specific, density-based conversions for baking

1 cups of Cumin (ground) equals 118 grams
Ingredient-specific · density-based
Cup size

Recommended Tools & Pantry Picks for Cumin (ground)

Optional shopping references for bakers who want to compare tools and pantry options related to cumin (ground).

Digital Kitchen Scale

Essential for cup-to-gram accuracy and repeatable bakes.

Shop scales

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Substitutions for Cumin (ground)

Storage Tips

Airtight container, cool dark place. Ground 6 months; whole seeds 2 years. Toast and grind for the strongest flavour.

Baking Science

Cuminaldehyde is the dominant aroma compound. Bloom in hot oil for 15-30 seconds to multiply the perceived intensity — frying volatilises the aldehyde.

Recipe Context

For spice cakes: over-measuring can create bitterness quickly.

For cookies: spice potency changes by brand and age.

For blends: weight helps maintain repeatable flavor profile.

Common Pitfalls

  • Switching brands without re-checking weight can change texture and bake time.
  • Using volume-only measurements for dense ingredients can overshoot recipe targets.

Brand Variance & Measuring Method

Baseline reference: 1 cup cumin (ground) = 120g. In real kitchens, a practical range is usually 108g-132g per cup (10% band).

Why this happens: particle size and settling vary across brands and freshness windows.

Figures use the US cup (236.6 ml).

Common Questions

How many grams is 1 cup of cumin (ground)?

1 cup of cumin (ground) weighs 120 grams.

What can I substitute for cumin (ground)?

Caraway (1:1)

Explore Cumin (ground) Further

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