Caraway Seed Whole, 1 lb

Caraway has probably been cultivated and consumed in Europe longer than any other spice. Enjoy its distinctive taste in breads, biscuits and cookies, or in salads and other vegetable dishes.

Botanical name: Carum carvi L.

Caraway is a member of the parsley family, belonging to the genus Carum, and the species carvi. A hardy biennial that self-sows, the Caraway plant is sparsely leafed and hollow with branching flower stems, and dainty, white flowers. The fleshy root, which tastes somewhat like carrots, is yellowish on the outside and whitish on the inside. The tiny, curved seed--which is actually one-half piece of the fruit of the plant--is brown and hard. Archeologists know that caraway seeds date way back--they found the tiny seeds in a pile of 5,000 year-old debri left by primitive Mesolithic lake dwellers in Switzerland. More evidence of its longevity is written; it's in Dioscorides' Ebers papyrus of 1552 BC, as well as a 12th century German medical book and a 14th century English cookbook.
Medieval cooks--who used the leaves, root and seed--found caraway an easy way to add flavor and zest to plain food, and caraway seed cake was traditional feast fare of the farmers. A time-honored ingredient in love potions, caraway was reputed to have power against evil, as well. In Elizabethan times, caraway seeds were served with roasted apples. They were also popular additions to other baked fruits and cakes and were commonly sprinkled on buttered bread at tea. American colonists are among many who chewed the seeds to freshen the breath after meals. The pleasantly sharp aroma of caraway seed is reminiscent of dill, and its warm, sweet, biting flavor is a bit like a blend of dill and anise. It's found in kitchens throughout the world. (By the way, the roots and leaves can be used fresh--the long, slender roots are sometimes boiled as a vegetable and the leaves--which taste like the seeds, but are more subtle--are used sparingly in salads, cauliflower, cream soups, and cabbage and potato dishes.) Italian street vendors sell hot chestnuts that have been boiled in caraway seeds, and the Germans make a popular kummel liqueur that includes caraway, cumin, and anise. It's also used in "comfits"--sweet candies made of sugarcoated seeds, designed to be eaten after meals. The traditional cuisines of a number of other European countries--like Austria, England, and the Netherlands--have long included it in their fare.

Suggested Uses:
Rye bread lovers are familiar with caraway, but it's also delicious in biscuits and crackers, spiced seed cake, candies, cookies, cheese, pickles, apple dishes like pie and applesauce, noodle dishes, and herb butters. Try caraway seed in creamy soups and sauces and with a variety of vegetables--like beets, potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, cucumber salads, asparagus and creamed onions. Caraway lightens the flavor of heavy meats and is often sprinkled on mutton, roast pork, liver, lamb and stew meat before cooking.

Medicinal use: 
In addition to its use as a spice, Caraway has numerous medicinal properties. It is most commonly used in cases of gastric problems, flatulence and indigestion. It has been very efficient in relief of flatulent colic in infants. Bruised fruits can be used to ease the earache. It can also be helpful, in combination with other herbs, in soothing of sore throat and laryngitis. Caraway oil can be used in treatment of eye infections, toothaches and rheumatism.

All herbs and spices are best quality: Non-Irradiated, USDA Certified Organic, Organic by QAI.
Depending on availability, your order will either be by Frontier, Starwest Botanicals or Organic Connections.

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