Yum Yum for Spices: What is a Caraway Seed?

A caraway plant reminds me of the American Queens Ann Lace, but this plant comes from Europe, North Africa and the Asia Minor regions.  It’s a biennial, herbaceous plant which blooms once in every two years. The seeds are crescent shaped, dark brown, with up to five ribs  running lengthwise on their surface.

Besides culinary uses caraway water is sometimes used in treating flatulence and indigestion, especially used to relieve a baby’s colic. It can also be used to flavor mouthwash. Caraway extract is used for colds, bronchitis and even irritable bowel syndrome.

Caraway seeds are featured in savory dishes, including cabbage soups, salads and sauerkraut. See my Crockpot Pork and Sauerkraut recipe. It often gives a pleasant aroma to bread (especially rye bread), cake, biscuits and cheese. In Central Europe, caraway seasoned sausages (Kielbasa Kminkowa) are a staple dish.