Suppression
Caraway
Category: Food
Type
Voluntary
Introduction and description

Caraway (Carum carvi), also known as meridian fennel, or Persian cumin, "Shahi Jeera" is a biennial plant in the family Apiaceae, native to western Asia, Europe and Northern Africa.
The plant is similar in appearance to other members of the carrot family, with finely divided, feathery leaves. Caraway fruits (erroneously called seeds) are crescent-shaped and around 2 mm long, with five pale ridges.
Caraway has a long tradition of medical uses, primarily for stomach complaints. Emerging and ongoing research from Arabic regional studies suggest its use 'as an endocrine function support agent, specifically related to thyroid disorders and auto immune diseases'.

Nutrients
The table shows some of the mineral and vitamin content of caraway. It appears to be a particulalry good source of potassium.
Source: US National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
Release 26 Software v.1.3.1 Nutrient values and weights are for edible portion
Nutrient |
Unit |
|
---|---|---|
Proximates |
||
Water |
g |
9.87 |
Energy |
kcal |
333 |
Protein |
g |
19.77 |
Total lipid (fat) |
g |
14.59 |
Carbohydrate, by difference |
g |
49.90 |
Fiber, total dietary |
g |
38.0 |
Sugars, total |
g |
0.64 |
Minerals |
||
Calcium, Ca |
mg |
689 |
Iron, Fe |
mg |
16.23 |
Magnesium, Mg |
mg |
258 |
Phosphorus, P |
mg |
568 |
Potassium, K |
mg |
1351 |
Sodium, Na |
mg |
17 |
Zinc, Zn |
mg |
5.50 |
Vitamins |
||
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid |
mg |
21.0 |
Thiamin |
mg |
0.383 |
Riboflavin |
mg |
0.379 |
Niacin |
mg |
3.606 |
Vitamin B-6 |
mg |
0.360 |
Folate, DFE |
µg |
10 |
Vitamin B-12 |
µg |
0.00 |
Vitamin A, RAE |
µg |
18 |
Vitamin A, IU |
IU |
363 |
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) |
mg |
2.50 |
Vitamin D (D2 + D3) |
µg |
0.0 |
Vitamin D |
IU |
0 |
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) |
µg |
0.0 |
Lipids |
||
Fatty acids, total saturated |
g |
0.620 |
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated |
g |
7.125 |
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated |
g |
3.272 |
Cholesterol |
mg |
0 |
Method

Caraway is a very versatile spice. The fruits, usually used whole, have a pungent, anise-like flavor and aroma that comes from essential oils. They are used as a spice in breads, especially rye bread, but can also be used in desserts, cakes, liquors, casseroles, curries and other Indian dishes. Caraway is extensively used in Indian Cuisine and can be used in rice dishes like Pulaos and Biryani. It is also added to sauerkraut.
My Aunty Lorna used to make delicious 'seedy cake' as she called it, caraway seed cake. In Serbia, it is commonly sprinkled over home-made salty scones (pogačice s kimom).
It is also used to add flavor to cheeses such as bondost, pultost and havarti. Akvavit and several liqueurs are made with caraway. In Middle Eastern cuisine, caraway pudding is a popular dessert during Ramadan.
How it works
see observationsRelated observations
Healing observations
- Antimicrobial activity of plant essential oils against bacterial and fungal species involved in food poisoning and/or food decay 023171
- Caraway and caper: potential anti-hyperglycaemic plants in diabetic rats. 022059
- Dr Duke's list of cystine containing plants to boost the immune system 012486
- Dr Duke's list of Plants containing NICKEL 021500
- Dr Duke's list of Plants Containing QUERCETIN 021446
- Dr Duke's list of plants having chemicals with vasodilatory activity 017836
- Dr Duke's list of Plants with Antipolyneuritic activity 022051
- Heartburn, ulcers and plants 006253
- Herbal teas and asthma 007249