Caraway

Caraway is a member of the parsley family. Its leaves may be used as an herb in salads and as a garnish, while its seeds may be used as a spice in breads, cheese spreads, pastas, vegetable and fruit dishes. It is probably most popular as the distinctive ingredient in rye bread.

Medicinal Properties

Like anise, cumin, dill, and fennel, caraway is a carminative. It is taken to relieve gas and to aid digestion. It has been successfully used for colic and nervous conditions. One tablespoon of crushed caraway seeds steeped for 20 minutes in one cup of either milk or water yields a soothing drink appropriate for children and adults. Strain and sweeten with honey, if desired.

Cultivation and Harvest

Caraway is a biennial. It grows as a small green plant the first year and then up to 2 feet tall the second year producing small white and apple-green flowers and fruit. The fruit, commonly called seeds, can be separated from the plant when ripe and then dried in the sun. Caraway is grown throughout Europe, the Mediterranean area, North Africa, Asia, and North America. The largest commercial producer in the world is the Netherlands.