Spicy

Cumin

Note Profile

Natural 68 perfumes

About

Earthy, warm spice

Scent Profile

Cumin has a distinctive spicy, earthy aroma with warm, slightly bitter undertones and a hint of animalic, sweaty facets. Its scent is pungent and persistent, evolving from sharp and dry to softer, musky nuances as it dries down. The note can impart a savory, almost leathery depth to fragrances.

Citrus 0%

Floral 0%

Fruity 0%

Green 5%

Sweet 0%

Warm 70%

Woody 0%

Earthy 35%

Animalic 35%

Fresh 0%

Origin

Cumin is derived from the dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, primarily cultivated in India, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. The essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the seeds, which concentrates its volatile aromatic compounds.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use cumin mainly in the heart or base of compositions to add warmth, complexity, and a touch of sensuality. It is often blended with woods, resins, and florals, and is a key component in some oriental, spicy, and chypre fragrances. Its assertive character requires careful dosing to balance its impact.