Caraway Seed

Used since the Stone Age and is said to have magical properties to protect you from witches and prevent departures (hence its use in love potions!)

Traditionally grown for the seeds, which are used in a diverse range of dishes including sauerkraut, goulash, cheeses, pickles, rye breads, cakes as well as Asian and Indian dishes.

A member of the carrot family.

• Hardy biennial.
• Likes a sheltered sunny position.
• Prefers a well-drained, fertile soil. Do not overwater.
• Can be grown in pots.
• Reaches 2 feet (60 cm) tall.
• White flowers from May to July in their second year.
• Direct sow outside in spring 2" (5 cm) deep drills sowing 6-8" (15-20 cm) apart in rows 6-8" (15-20 cm) apart.
• Can be direct sown and grown on in pots.
• Will self-seed.

• Top Tips
• Being biennial flowering and subsequent seeding will occur in the second year.
• Transplanting should be avoided as, being a member of the carrot family, damage to the taproot usually causes the plant to die.
• Winter waterlogging can also cause the plants to die.
• In a hard winter the top growth may die down. Cut level with the ground and plants will regrow.
• If allowed to, Caraway will readily self-seed!

• Culinary Uses.
• Can be eaten like Spinach.
• Good in stews, soup or salad.
• Often used in Indian and Asian dishes.
• Roots can be eaten as a vegetable.
• Seed is also used to flavour the liqueur Kümmel.
• Seeds can be used in cakes and bread.
• Good accompaniment to rich meats such as goose and pork.

• Medicinal Uses.
• Is used to treat rheumatism.
• Can help gout.
• Will help increase appettite.
• Seeds are thought to aid digestion, reduce flatulence and improve appetite.
• may help to dispel worms from the gut.
• The oils can be used in mouthwash.

• Other Uses.
• Pigeon fanciers claim that tame pigeons with baked caraway dough in the dovecote will never stray!
• Can be used in cologne.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using. Do not confuse with other similar-looking plants as these may be poisonous.