Carraway

Caraway or Carum carvi is a biennial plant in the family Apiaceae, native to western Asia, Europe, and Northern 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 (erroneously called seeds) are crescent-shaped achenes, around 2 mm long, with five pale ridges.

History

The history of caraway dates back to the Stone Age, where it was found in archaeological digs in Europe. It was used by the ancient Egyptians in their cooking and also as a medicine. The Romans used caraway in their cuisine, and it was also mentioned in the Bible in the book of Isaiah.

Cultivation and Production

Caraway is a hardy plant that grows best in full sun in well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can be grown in the garden or in a container. The seeds are sown in the spring and the plants bloom in the second year. The seeds are harvested in the late summer.

The largest producer of caraway is Finland, followed by the Netherlands and Canada. Other countries that produce caraway include Russia, Poland, and Germany.

Uses

Caraway has a variety of uses. The seeds are used as a spice in cooking and baking, especially in European and Middle Eastern cuisines. They are used in breads, cakes, soups, and stews, and are a key ingredient in certain types of sausages. Caraway seeds are also used to flavor liqueurs, such as Kümmel.

In addition to its culinary uses, caraway has medicinal properties. It is used in traditional medicine to aid digestion, relieve flatulence, and treat bronchitis and coughs. It is also used in the cosmetic industry in soaps and lotions.

Health Benefits

Caraway seeds are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They contain antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage by free radicals. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

See Also

• List of culinary herbs and spices
• List of plants used in herbalism