Collection: Caraway

(Also Known as Carvies, Persian Cumin, Meridian Fennel)

What does caraway taste like?

Warming and earthy, with tones of menthol, we have Caraway. These tiny brown seeds are often considered the magic ingredient in rye bread and pastries and are frequently found in German cooking. Caraway seeds are popular in Irish Soda bread and Irish fruit loaf traditionally eaten at Halloween, "Barm Brack". Native to central Europe and Asia, Caraway is part of the carrot family. A complex warming taste also found in many Central and Eastern European dishes, as well as in the North African chili paste harissa.

Once ground, the caraway flavour can diminish quickly. For that very reason, we always ground our caraway in small batches. Like those of our blends, it is important to store Caraway in a cool, dark, airtight environment.

What flavours go with Caraway?

• Bay Leaf
• Beetroot
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cumin
• Coriander seeds
• Dill
• Fennel
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Potatoes
• Onions
• Rye

Our Aunt Khadijah's generational Yemeni spice blend Hawaij has a beautifully rich and nutty aroma when the caraway is paired with flavours like coriander seeds amongst other alchemy. It will make the best homemade hummus ever.

What are the health benefits of caraway?

Caraway is high in iron, magnesium, copper, and calcium, and loaded with fibre. It is a rich source of antioxidants. Caraway seeds have long been used as a digestive aid and are often associated with medicinal properties that calm irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Historically, in the Middle Ages, caraway was used as a digestive aid to prevent the feeling of bloatedness after a meal.

Does Caraway stop menstrual cramps?

As a tea, it can be brewed in boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes to help with menstrual cramps, flatulence, and digestion. A German university in 2016 named caraway as the plant of the year in regards to its scientific importance in medicinal use. Research is always ongoing. Caraway has a spearmint aroma when it is milled, and typically it is found in mouthwash, toothpaste, and chewing gum.

What are interesting facts about caraway?

• At a Swiss compound dating back 5,000 years, archaeologists discovered caraway seeds in waste pits. Unbelievably, the Egyptians wrote about caraway seeds in 1500 BC in an Egyptian herbal encyclopaedia. The Egyptians used to place caraway seeds in the tombs to ward off evil spirits.
• It was the Romans who brought caraway seeds to Northern Europe.
• Through the Middle Ages, caraway was a common spice found in meat, game, bean, and cabbage dishes.
• The Germans have an infamous sweet liqueur flavoured with caraway, cumin, and fennel called Kummel. The word Kummel means caraway in German. Oddly, Kummel is popular in British Golf clubs as a vice to steady golfers' nerves. Its nickname is "putting mixture". Legend states that placing caraway in your lover's pocket will keep them faithful, but we are hopeful that you won't need to follow up on this myth.

What is the chief flavour compound of caraway?

S-carvone: (spicy, menthol, and licorice) aromatic compounds (terpene) also found in dill and spearmint.