GardenSeeker.Co.Uk Pruning Businesses Search Gardening Gifts

Caraway – Carum Carvi - Persian Cumin

Caraway is a biennial herb growing from 18inches to 2ft tall (60cm), with umbrella shaped white or pink flowers and feathery leaves. The flowers only appear in its second year and then followed by its fruits (seeds). Propagate in the spring from seed in a well drained soil and in a sunny position. 

Those familiar with vegetable gardening will recognise the seeds of Caraway as being very similar to those of the Carrot. Not surprising, for it is of the same family of the Carrot. The ferny foliage is instantly recognised as being a bit 'carroty'! Fennel and Dill are also members of the same family and share many of its properties.

Carum carvi prefers a full sun situation in almost any type of soil. In particular, it is happy in heavier soils.

Caraway herb - Carum carvi flowering plant.Caraway or Carum carvi is a totally hardy herb for growing purposes, and the seed can be sown outdoors in late spring or early summer. If sown in this manner, then the seed should be sown thinly, and the result and seedlings thinned out rather than transplanting the individual Caraway seedlings. Transplanted seedlings can often bolt and not grow into mature plants.

If sown in compost, they should be sown with a sprinkling of seeds per 3in pot, and then planted out without separating the seedlings.

The aromatic foliage is fern-like, with small white flowers in profusion. The seeds when chewed (harmless) have a distinct liquorice taste, and are good for cleansing the palate and freshening the taste buds. There is a pleasant smell which is good for the breath!  

The long stems supporting the flowers might look a little flimsy, but are rarely needy of any support.



In the Herb Garden - or any other situation, it can be grown as a companion plant, when it has properties to hide the scent of neighbouring plants from invading pests. this is supposed to be good for planting near Carrots when it will deter the carrot fly from invading carrot crops. Surprising as it is a member of the same family. The open umbels of flowers are good for attracting beneficial flying insects such as the predatory wasps which are partial to most insect pests and larvae.

Caraway Herbs prefer to be grown in full sun - and preferably with a rich soil, though will also grow well in light/thin soils. If the seeds are allowed to 'self-seed' the following year after planting, they will readily grow into small plants where they land. A very aromatic bounty of plants for free!

Problems with Caraway - Carum carvi

Other than the possibility of transplanted seedlings bolting, there are no insect or disease problems that we have encountered. In fact there have been trials - as yet inconclusive - to present Caraway as a good insect repellent plant! This alone is testament to its pest free reputation.

Historic

 During the excavation of Neolithic sites in Europe, caraway seeds were found. The Romans, Greeks and the Egyptians were no strangers to this herb.

 In Tudor times caraway was popular and used in the baking of cakes and breads, the seeds were sugared and served as a side dish.  

Medicinal uses of Caraway Herbs.

Caraway SeedsAn infusion of seeds can relieve digestive disorders and flatulence; it has also been known to treat those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Caraway medicinal properties are anaesthetic, antibacterial a muscle relaxant and it is even used to strengthen the urinary organs. The essential oils are used to help the skin and decrease bruising. Caraway seeds can also be chewed as breath sweeteners.
The oils are also used to fragrance soaps, lotions and also used in perfume.

Culinary

Use caraway seeds when baking bread, sprinkle over the top just before baking, add the seeds to cakes, baked fruits, chutneys and pickles, they will all benefit from the flavour given from the seeds. The root of this herb can also be used, roast as you would just like any other vegetable. Try adding the leaves to stews and soups. Caraway works especially well with pork. Recipes utilising Caraway Seeds






extraAdvert


Popular Gardening Sections

Card image cap
Sections

Learn - all aspects of lawn maintenance, how to build and maintain a pond, care and grow vegetables and fruit, fit for your table.

Sections
Card image cap
Problems

Identify Weeds in The Garden - How to deal with weeds. Diseases and Pest which harm your garden and plants, learn how to prevent, deter and erradicate your garden problems.

Garden Problems
Card image cap
Pruning

Pruning Guide. Shrubs flower better with correct pruning. Many illustrations and examples of what to do - and when. Includes evergreens, roses, flowering shrubs, spring flowering shrubs and pruning for stem effect. This is our most viewed and comprehensive section,

Pruning
Card image cap
Gardening Businesses

Gardening Businesses listed in the UK counties and USA states. County and State Listings of businesses involved in Garden supplies and services. If you wish to be added to the Directory, please send us your information. Having problems, use the search box

Businesses
Card image cap
Gardening

In this section you will learn about Gardening Basics, Containers, Landscaping, Propagation and Soil.

Gardening

Copyright © GardenSeeker.Co.UK - 2000 - 2022

Advertising listing / Privacy Policy
Contact Us

| DMCA.com Protection Status