Herbs > Caraway Herb

Information on, uses of and how to grow caraway:

Name
Carum carvi.

Family
Umbelliferae.

History
Caraway has long been used to flavour Kummel liqueur and the seeds have been used in the baking of rye bread.

Growing pattern
Annual.

Seeds
Buy Caraway Seeds (Organic and Non-Organic) from The Green Chronicle (Pay in $US, £, Euro).
Herbs, Seasonings, Seeds and Spices - Buy Caraway Seed, Whole from Mountain Rose Herbs ($US).

How to grow
Sow the seeds in April or late Autumn in the flowering position. Thin the seedlings to 20cm apart. Protect young plants with mulch during a severe winter.

Soil condition/position
Caraway can be grown in a container in a sunny position. it does not transplant well and will reach its full height in the second year. Remove the seed-heads when they have turned brown but before they burst. Complete drying indoors.

Appearance
Caraway grows to 60cm and has feathery leaves and crescent shaped seeds preceded by small white flowers which usually appear in the second year.

Uses
The seeds of Caraway have a piquant flavour and are used in baking for cakes, biscuits and bread. The roots are good boiled and the leaves can be used to flavour soups and stews. Caraway is especially good when used with pork, liver, cabbage or cauliflower.