Caraway

Kümmel 2012-07-08-9523

Caraway (Carum carvi), also known as meridian fennel or Persian cumin, is a biennial plant in the family Apiaceae, native to western Asia, Europe, and North Africa. The plant is similar in appearance to other members of the carrot family, with finely divided, feathery leaves with thread-like divisions, growing on 20–30 cm stems. The main flower stem is 40–60 cm tall, with small white or pink flowers in umbels. Caraway fruits, commonly referred to as seeds, are crescent-shaped achenes, around 2 mm long, with five pale ridges.

Uses

Caraway seeds are used as a spice in breads, especially rye bread. Caraway is also used in desserts, liquors, casseroles, and other foods. Its leaves can be eaten as herbs, either raw, dried, or cooked, similar to parsley. Additionally, caraway seed oil is used in the flavoring of certain foods and in traditional medicines.

Cultivation

Caraway is grown widely, with Finland, Poland, the Netherlands, and Germany being major commercial producers. It prefers a well-drained, fertile soil and a sunny position. Being a biennial, caraway won't mature and produce seeds until its second year, although some varieties can complete their lifecycle in a single year, these are known as annual varieties.

Culinary Uses

In culinary applications, caraway has a distinctive sweet but tangy flavor, which complements a wide variety of foods. It is a key ingredient in sauerkraut, coleslaw, and goulash, and is used in seasoning cheese, particularly Gouda and Munster. Caraway seeds are also used in liquors such as aquavit and schnapps.

Medicinal Uses

Traditionally, caraway has been used in herbal medicine to treat digestive problems, including heartburn, bloating, gas, and mild spasms of the stomach and intestines. Caraway oil is sometimes added to cosmetics for fragrance and is believed to have antimicrobial properties.

In Culture

Caraway has a long history of use in folk magic and was believed to ward off witches and evil spirits. It was also thought to bring about loyalty and was used in love potions.