Caraway - An Herb With Many Faces:

Caraway is an herb that has been found in ancient foods, all the way to present times. The name comes from the Arabic word for the seed: karawya. Caraway has a sweet flavorful taste, making it a lovely addition to rich dishes. It is said to soothe indigestion and help with gas and cramping relief. We know about the culinary uses of caraway seeds, but may not be as familiar with the leaf and root's uses.

Here is everything you need to know about caraway and its many offerings.

Latin Name:

Umbelliferae

Common Name:

Caraway, caraway seed

Cultivation:

Caraway needs to be grow in rich soil and in full sun. To sow, do so outside in either late spring or early in the autumn. Caraway does not like to be transplanted, so plant the seeds in their permanent home. Once germinated, thin plants to at least 8 inches apart, for the strongest plants.

Harvesting:

Gather leaves to eat when young. They are used as a salad herb. Dried, they can be used throughout the year. Seeds are sprinkled over rich dishes to help aid digestion. They are also added to cabbage water to reduce the smell of the cabbage cooking. Caraway is an excellent herb for cooking with apples, and with cheeses. Add the seeds to your breads and other baked goods. Caraway seeds are served after an Indian meal, along with other seeds.

Storing:

Caraway seeds are easy to store. Dry the seed heads, by hanging them upside down either with a bag over them or a container underneath to catch the falling seeds as they dry.

The dried seeds can then be stored in an airtight container, until needed.

All About Caraway:

Caraway has an aromatic, sweet taste, that fills your mouth with flavor when you bite into it. It is a naturally sweet herb, with a licorice flavor, good for adding to any dish that needs a lift. Rich foods that may give you indigestion, can include caraway in either their preparation or as an after dinner treat, to counteract the intestinal upset that sometimes results in overindulging. When making sauerkraut, layer the cabbage with a light sprinkling of caraway seeds for an interesting twist in the finished product.

The essential oil of the seed is often used in herbal mouthwashes and colognes, and many times it is added to a less flavorful herbal preparation for the flavor component it brings. Many children have accepted their medicine, when sweetened with a little caraway flavoring.

The roots of the caraway plant can be harvested and used just as you would any root vegetable. Add them to your roast beef or pork dishes. They are also tasty when added to a pan of autumn vegetables that is simply roasted in the oven.

The leaf of caraway is also tasty. Use them fresh as a salad herb, and dry them with little to no heat, for a lovely addition to your soups throughout the winter. Leaves can be harvested all summer long, without bothering the overall growth of the herb.

Medicinally, caraway is effective as an aid to digestion. It is also said to promote a healthy appetite. Use an infusion of the seeds as an herbal mouthwash, to sweeten the breath naturally. A tea made from the caraway seeds used as a safe galactagogue for nursing moms. It is also used to help with colic in babies, and makes a calming tea for children, that is well liked.

Magically, caraway has been used to give protection from witches and was also believed to prevent departures, thus it was an important ingredient in most love potions. In more modern times, it is believed that tame pigeons would not stray if caraway was added to their feed. Who knows if this is true, but it certainly is interesting. Finally, caraway is a delicious herb, that is easy to grow and offers plenty of herb material for anyone enjoying the lovely taste. It is safe for children and can easily be grown indoors, as long as there is sufficient light.