The health benefits of caraway seeds have been known since ancient times. In fact, cumin (carum carvi) is one of the oldest herbs and medicinal plants still used in Europe. Caraway seeds are not only medicinal, but also have a long culinary and medicinal history.
What is cumin?
Caraway is a plant in the Apiaceae or Umbelliferae family. The Apiaceae family includes varieties of celery, carrots, fennel and parsley, which have aromatic properties. The native habitats of the tribes are Europe, North Africa and West Asia.
Caraway is a biennial plant and in its first year its leaves can be a great addition to soup or salads. Caraway can grow up to a metre tall, with soft, feathery leaves. Caraway flowers bloom white or pink flowers from May to July, before they start to flower.
What are caraway seeds?
Caraway seeds and leaves are very similar to those of other celery plants, which is why caraway is sometimes confused with fennel and caraway seeds.
Caraway seeds stand out, but only on close inspection. The crescent-shaped seeds of caraway are darker and smoother than those of caraway. Caraway seeds are also more bitter than caraway seeds. The aroma of caraway seeds can be described as slightly minty or peppery.
What is the taste of caraway?
Caraway seeds have an aniseed flavour, although it is less pronounced than the aniseed flavour of fennel seeds. Caraway seeds also have a medicinal bitterness with strong aromatic properties. Cumin is therefore a common savoury spice in traditional European cuisine and confectionery.
How are caraway seeds used?
Caraway has long been used in both culinary and medicinal applications. In fact, people started collecting caraway seeds in the Neolithic period. In the Middle Ages, caraway was used as a digestive aid after large feasts to prevent flatulence and other digestive problems.
In addition to its many culinary uses, cumin is also scientifically recognised as having medicinal properties. The small, crescent-shaped caraway seeds promote healthy digestion, reduce gas, prevent bloating and prevent heartburn.
Caraway seeds in cooking
Caraway seeds are popular in traditional European cuisine as a seasoning for cabbage dishes, sauerkraut, bread, onion pie, baked potatoes and many other dishes.
Those who eat cumin were thought to have better health.
Cumin also has certain antimicrobial properties that can help the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as bifidobacteria, a common component of probiotics, while also fighting bacteria such as streptococci. Cumin improves digestion by stimulating the secretion of gastric juices and improving the circulation of blood and intestinal mucus in the stomach. Caraway seeds reduce bloating and promote a healthy appetite.
Caraway tea recipe
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon chopped cumin,
200-300 ml hot water,
Preparation:
Crush or grind the caraway seeds in a food processor. Crushing caraway seeds releases essential oils and a rich flavour.
Use 1 teaspoon of crushed cumin seeds per cup of hot water. Leave to swell for 10 minutes.
To avoid damaging the essential oils, do not boil the tea or use boiling water.
This tea promotes healthy digestion, especially after meals.
Mix equal amounts of cumin, mint and chamomile for fuller digestion. This blend is the ideal combination for the whole digestive tract. Caraway extract relieves bloating and soothes the intestines, while peppermint relieves cramps and relaxes the stomach.
