Cumin Water: Recipe, Ratios and How to Make It

Cumin water is water infused with cumin seeds; this recipe takes 2 hours 5 minutes in total and makes about 1 litre (4¼ US cups).

What is cumin water?

Cumin water is a type of spice and seed water made by steeping cumin seeds in drinking water. The seeds give the water a mild, earthy flavour, and you can strain them out before drinking.

This recipe uses a refrigerator infusion rather than boiling. Its flavour depends on the freshness of the seeds and how long they steep.

What are the ingredients and ratio for cumin water?

Use 1 teaspoon of whole cumin seeds per 1 litre of water. This makes approximately four 1-cup servings, with a little extra.

• Water: 1 litre (about 4¼ US cups)
• Whole cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon (about 2 g, or 1/48 cup)

For other ingredient combinations, try the ai infused water generator. You can adjust the flavour on a later batch, but start with the listed ratio so the cumin does not overpower the water.

How do you make cumin water?

Prep time: 5 minutes
Steep time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Yield: About 1 litre (4¼ cups)

1. Pour the drinking water into a clean jug or covered container.
2. Add the whole cumin seeds and stir briefly.
3. Cover the container and refrigerate for 2 hours.
4. Strain out the seeds and serve the cumin water chilled.

The recipe needs no boiling. For more on serving temperatures, see hot vs cold cumin water.

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How long should cumin water steep?

Steep cumin water in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours for a fuller flavour. Taste it after 2 hours; if you prefer a stronger infusion, leave it covered in the fridge and strain it by the end of the 4-hour window.

Keep the seeds submerged during steeping. Straining makes the finished drink easier to pour and stops the seeds from continuing to flavour it.

How should you store cumin water?

Keep cumin water covered and refrigerated, and drink it within 24 hours for the best flavour. Discard it after 2–3 days from preparation, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than a few hours.

Make a smaller batch if you do not expect to finish a litre. For more storage details, see how long cumin water lasts.

How can you vary cumin water?

Add a thin lemon slice or a few fresh mint leaves before refrigerating, then strain after 2–4 hours. If using lemon with its pith, strain by 4 hours to limit bitterness.

Whole cumin seeds are easy to strain. Ground cumin is another option, but it can leave sediment in the drink; stir before serving if you do not mind the texture.

What are the benefits of cumin water?

Cumin water can make drinking water more appealing and help you stay hydrated. It is not a detox treatment: the liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification, while the lungs and gut help eliminate waste.

Cumin water is not a proven weight-loss drink. Read more about cumin water benefits and cumin water for weight loss. Unsweetened, strained cumin water is very low in calories, but the amount infused from the seeds is not precisely known; see cumin water calories.

Who should avoid or be careful with cumin water?

Avoid cumin water if you are allergic to cumin. Stop drinking it if it causes discomfort, and seek urgent medical care for trouble breathing or swelling of the lips or tongue.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take medication for diabetes, ask a clinician before using concentrated cumin preparations or routinely consuming large amounts. For more guidance, see cumin water side effects, can you drink cumin water every day and how much cumin water to drink a day.

Cumin water FAQs

Is there a best time to drink cumin water?

There is no established best time; choose one that suits you. There is no proven advantage to drinking cumin water on an empty stomach, and drinking cumin water before bed may interrupt sleep if you need to urinate. See more on the best time to drink cumin water.

Does cumin water break a fast?

Rules depend on the fast, and infused water can contain small, variable amounts from the seeds. For a medical or test-related fast, follow your clinician's instructions; see does cumin water break a fast.