Caraway Carum carvi
ABOUT
C. carvi is an upright biennial with aromatic, 2- to 3-pinnate leaves divided into linear segments, and umbels of small white flowers in summer, followed by strongly aromatic fruits
About this plant
- Names
Family
Apiaceae
Synonyms
Caraway, Meridian Fennel, Persian Cumin
Common names
Apium carvi, Carum aromaticum, Carum decussatum, Carum velenovskyi, Carum officinale, Carvi carum.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Flavoring Agent: Caraway seeds provide a warm, earthy flavor and aroma to a variety of dishes such as bread, soups, and cheeses.
- Culinary Versatility: It is used in cooking as a spice, in whole or ground form, for savory and sweet dishes alike.
- Traditional Ingredient: Caraway is a classic seasoning in European, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean recipes, important for traditional preparations.
- Gardening: Caraway can be grown in herb gardens and attracts beneficial insects such as bees with its umbel-shaped flowers.
- Companion Planting: In agriculture or personal gardens, caraway can be planted alongside other crops to help repel pests and improve soil quality.
- Medical Properties
- Digestive aid: Carum carvi, commonly known as caraway, is traditionally used to promote digestion and relieve symptoms such as bloating and gas.
- Antispasmodic: It is believed to help relieve intestinal spasms and colic.
- Carminative: Caraway is used to aid in the expulsion of gas from the stomach or intestines, reducing discomfort.
- Antimicrobial: The essential oil of caraway has been found to possess antimicrobial properties which can help fight certain bacteria and fungi.
- Expectorant: In folk medicine, caraway is used to help loosen phlegm in the respiratory tract.
- Lactation support: Caraway is sometimes used by nursing mothers as it is believed to enhance milk production.
- Antioxidant: The seeds of the caraway plant contain antioxidants which are compounds that can help protect against cellular damage.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Caraway seeds are traditionally used as a spice to flavor breads, especially rye bread. It imparts a warm, slightly peppery flavor that complements the bread's hearty nature.
- In perfumery, caraway oil obtained from the seeds can be used as a fragrance component for its sweet and spicy aroma.
- Caraway seeds can be infused in spirits, contributing a distinctive flavor to liqueurs and European herbal schnapps.
- The seeds are sometimes used in cheese-making to add a unique taste to certain types of cheese, such as havarti and gouda.
- Caraway can be used in the confectionery industry to flavor biscuits and cakes, adding a subtle anise-like flavor to sweet treats.
- Roasted caraway seeds can be used as a coffee substitute where they are ground and brewed similar to regular coffee beans.
- In soap making, caraway seed oil can be added for scent and its potential antiseptic properties.
- Caraway seeds can serve as a natural breath freshener when chewed, thanks to their aromatic essential oils.
- They can be used to flavor roasted or boiled root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, which enhances their natural sweetness.
- Caraway seeds can be incorporated into homemade meat rubs and marinades, imparting their distinctive flavor to pork and lamb dishes.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Caraway is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: In ancient times, Carum carvi, commonly known as caraway, was believed to keep lovers from losing interest in one another. Therefore, it symbolizes love and fidelity.
- Protection: It was also used in rituals and spells to ward off evil spirits, hence it represents protection and warding off bad influences.
- Health: Since caraway has been traditionally used for its digestive benefits, it is often associated with good health and wellbeing.
- Water
Caraway requires consistent moisture, particularly during the germination and early growth stages. It should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions, to encourage deep root development. Aim to provide about one inch of water per week, which equates to roughly 0.623 gallons per square foot. During hot and dry periods, increase watering to maintain soil moisture, but be careful not to overwater as caraway does not like soggy soil. Ensure the water reaches the root zone by using a soaker hose or drip irrigation to minimize water wastage and prevent fungal diseases that can occur with overhead watering.
- Light
Caraway prefers full sun conditions, meaning it should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for planting caraway is in an area where it can enjoy unobstructed sunlight throughout most of the day, as this will ensure optimal growth and seed production. Partial shade is tolerable, but full sun is ideal to achieve the best results with caraway.
- Temperature
Caraway thrives in a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F, which are ideal for its growth. It can survive in temperatures as low as freezing, but consistently cold temperatures below 32°F can damage the plant. Caraway is also quite heat-tolerant and can withstand temperatures up to about 85°F. If temperatures exceed this range, providing shade and increased watering may help protect the plant.
- Pruning
Caraway typically does not require regular pruning. However, any dead or yellowing foliage should be removed to promote healthy growth and air circulation around the plant. Pruning is best done in the late fall or early spring, removing only the necessary parts of the plant to maintain its overall health and appearance. This can also include thinning out densely sown caraway to ensure each plant has enough space to develop fully.
- Cleaning
Not needed
- Soil
Caraway (Carum carvi) thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand will create an ideal growing medium that promotes healthy root development. It is important to ensure the soil is loose and not too heavy or clay-rich to prevent waterlogging.
- Repotting
Caraway typically does not require frequent repotting as it is a biennial plant and is often grown as an annual. It can be sown directly outdoors or in large containers where it can remain without repotting. If started indoors, transplant it to its final growing location after the seedlings establish, usually once.
- Humidity & Misting
Caraway prefers moderate humidity levels and will grow well in typical outdoor environments where the humidity fluctuates naturally. It is not particularly sensitive to humidity levels, making it adaptable to various growing conditions as long as the soil moisture is maintained appropriately.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure sunny spot, pots with drainage, and room for 2 feet growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, after frost risk is gone.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Carum carvi, commonly known as caraway, begins its life as a seed that germinates in cool temperatures. The first stage involves the sprouting of the seed to form a small seedling with a rosette of leaves close to the ground, and it spends the first year primarily in vegetative growth. In its second year, caraway progresses to the reproductive stage, sending up a flowering stem that can reach up to 30 inches tall, with small white or pink flowers arranged in umbrella-like clusters called umbels. After pollination, usually by insects, these flowers develop into small, crescent-shaped brown fruit commonly referred to as caraway seeds. Caraway is a biennial plant, completing its life cycle in two years; once the seeds have matured and are shed, the parent plant typically dies. These seeds will then potentially grow into new plants, repeating the life cycle of the caraway.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Caraway, known botanically as Carum carvi, is typically propagated through the sowing of seeds. The ideal time for sowing caraway seeds is in the late fall, which allows them to undergo a natural stratification process during the winter as the seeds require a cold spell to break dormancy. However, they can also be sown in early spring. The seeds can be directly broadcast over a prepared field or bed with well-draining soil. Planting should be done at a shallow depth, approximately 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) deep, ensuring that the seeds make good contact with the soil. Caraway prefers a sunny location and soil that has good moisture retention yet drains well. Seed germination may take 14 to 21 days. The plants will mature and be ready for harvest in the second year, typically producing their characteristic seeds that are harvested for culinary use.