Caraway
Family Umbelliferae (or Apiaceae)
Carum carvi, caraway (C. carvi 1) (C. carvi 2), is a biennial herb with a hollow stem, and compound leaves, which are 4-5 times pinnately divided. The small whitish flowers are borne in compound terminal umbels. The fruits are slightly curved, brown, 3-5 mm long.
Distribution
Caraway is a native of Europe and western Asia, and is grown in the temperate regions.
Use
Caraway fruits, usually called seeds, are used for flavouring bread, cakes, soup, cheese and vegetables like beetroot and cabbages. They give the flavour to Kummel liqueur. Kummel oil is also used to flavour soap and perfume.