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An indigenous plant to the Irano-Turanian region, cumin belongs to the Apiaceae family of flowers. It is a hand-harvested annual herbaceous plant that reaches a height of 30–50 cm (12–20 in). Both whole and ground cumin seeds are used in the cuisine of many different cultures. The seeds are tiny yellowish-brown elongated ovals that are 6 mm (0.25 inch) long. They have five distinct longitudinal dorsal ridges that are spaced apart by less noticeable secondary ridges to create a pattern that resembles a tiny grid. Small, boat-shaped cumin seeds resemble caraway seeds in appearance. They are frequently used in many dishes, particularly those that originate from its native Mediterranean and Southwest Asian regions. Chili, tamales, and different Indian curries all benefit from the distinctive flavor that cumin adds.