Written by Maryann Readal
Caraway seeds, Carum carviIt has been used in many countries around the world as a spice and medicine for a very long time.
The caraway plant can be biennial or annual. It is found in western Asia, northern Europe and northern Africa. It grows as an annual in cooler climates, and in warmer climates, it is planted in the fall and produces flowers and fruit the following year. Caraway does not tolerate hot and humid weather well. The flowers attract beneficial bees and wasps to the garden, and tThe moon-shaped “seeds” are considered fruits. The solution is in Apiaceae family, and the umbrella-shaped, white to pink flowers are similar to dill, parsley, celery, and other family members. It produces a long root that can be eaten as a vegetable, however, because of the taproot, it is not easy to install. Therefore, caraway is best grown from seed and will also be included in the garden.
References to caraway are found in the Ebers Papyrus (1500 BCE) and in the writings of the Greek physician, Dioscorides (50-70 CE). Some trace its use back to the Stone Age, because fossilized seeds have been found in ponds from that time. The Romans used caraway and spread its use to other parts of their empire. It has been cultivated in Europe since the Middle Ages.
There are some traditional legends surrounding caraway. It was once placed under the bed of “suffering children” as protection against witches. Perhaps these “problem children” were actually suffering from colic, which caraway was later used to treat. It was also used as a love potion due to the belief that it kept the lover from going astray. For that reason, it was also used as food for chickens and birds to ensure that they will not fly (Ravindran, 2017). In the language of flowers, caraway symbolizes loyalty. In Poland, it was believed that the seeds had great healing power if collected on June 24, the feast of St. John the Baptist. Bags containing caraway seeds, as well as anise, fennel, and coriander seeds, were worn around the neck due to belief in their magical properties and their ability to expel gas (Knab, 2020).
Historically, caraway has been used to treat stomach problems. Recent research supports the human use of this plant. These uses include reducing constipation, aiding in weight loss, lowering blood sugar levels, and reducing inflammation (WebMD, 2020). The essential oils in the herb can interact with prescription medications, so it is recommended that one check with a healthcare provider before using caraway as a treatment.
The culinary uses of caraway are well known. It is used to make the North African chili sauce, harissa. It is also used in a traditional British seed cake enjoyed with tea (Marchetti, 2013). The anise-like flavor is also very popular in German and Slavic dishes. The seeds are used to flavor breads such as Jewish rye bread, sausages, cabbage, fruit and vegetable dishes, and cheeses such as Havarti. The leaves are added to soups and salads. The seeds are also used to make alcoholic beverages such as aquavit, kΟmmel, and vodka. They can be sugared and used as a breather or digestive aid. Essential oils are used in perfumes, ice cream, candy, soft drinks, and to flavor children’s medicines (Bown, 2001). Growing up in a Slavic family, caraway seeds were a staple spice in my mother’s kitchen.
For more information about caraway, please see the Herb Society’s Remedy of the Month Website.
Photo credits: 1) Carum carvi flowers and leaves (Guy Waterval, via Wikimedia); 2) Caraway seeds (courtesy of the author); 3) Silesian bread with caraway seeds (Silar, via Wikimedia)
Drug Disclaimer: It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not advising or recommending medical or health remedies. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any specific treatment or health care. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatment.
References
Bowen, Deni. 2001 Herb Society of America new encyclopedia of herbs and their uses. London: Doring Kindersley.
Knabb, Sophie. 2020. Polish herbs, flowers and folk remedies. New York: Hippocrene Books.
Marchetti, Domenica. 2013. Caraway seed is an ideal meeting spice. NPR. Accessed 8/30/22. Available from
Ravindran, P. (ed). 2017. Caraway: Carum carvi. Encyclopedia of herbs and spices. Accessed 8/30/22. CABI. Credo Reference Database.
WebMD. 2020. Caraway: Is it good for you. Accessed 8/30/22. Available from
Mariann is the Secretary of the Herb Society of America and a Texas Master Gardener. He is a member of the Texas Thyme Unit in Huntsville, TX. He teaches herbs and conducts plant training in several Master Gardener programs. He gardens among the pines of the Piney Woods of East Texas
