Caraway Seed Profile
Also known as- Carum carvi, Anis des Vosges, Apium carvi, Carvi Fructus, Cumin des Pres, Haravi, Krishan Jeeraka, Krishnajiraka, Kummel, Kummich, Roman Cumin, Semen Cumini Pratensis, Semences de Carvi, Wiesen-Feldkummel, Wild Cumin.
Introduction
The warming and aromatic "seeds" of the caraway plant are used to give a distinctive flavor to rye bread, cabbage, soups, pickles, teas, liqueurs, and spirits. Caraway is said to have been used in Europe longer than any other condiment. A more aromatic and bitter alternative to cumin, caraway is key to Indian, Dutch, German, Russian, and Scandinavian cooking. Although it has an affinity to cooked cabbage and coleslaw, a little ground caraway added at the end of cooking (to avoid bitterness) will add a pleasant and unexpected taste to both sweets and savories.
Constituents
Caraway's distinct aroma is due to carvones and caveols. The "seed" also contains oil, carbohydrate, antioxidant flavonoids, and protein.
Parts Used
Each "seed" is half of a caraway fruit. The dried fruits are used whole or ground in cooking and herbal medicine.
Typical Preparations
Usually as a tea, but also in infusions, tinctures, encapsulations and as a seasoning.
Summary
Caraway promotes gastric secretion and stimulates appetite. It breaks down spasms in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent flatulence, but it is also used to treat menstrual cramps and gallbladder spasms. Caraway oil is strongly fungicidal, having a stronger anti-fungal and anti-yeast activity than the prescription medication Nystatin.
Precautions
To keep the essential oils at maximum potency, store in a glass container protected from light, moisture, and heat.
