Caraway

Caraway
Carum Carvi
Fam: Umbelliferae

Caraway is a native to Northern Africa, the Mediterranean and much of Europe. It falls into both categories of herb and spice, as it is the seeds that are used primarily, but if you grow it yourself , the leaves and the root are also edible. Caraway has been found in food dating back to 3000 BC making it one of the oldest cultivated spices. The Ancient Egyptians buried their dead with caraway to ward off evil spirits. It was also used as a food and a medicine in Ancient Greece and Rome. A Greek physician, Dioscorides prescribed oil of caraway to young ladies to rub into their skin and restore a healthy glow. Julius Caesar's army ate a bread made of caraway root (chara). During the middle ages the use of caraway spread up from the Arabian pensinsula and into Northern Europe. Old herbal legends describe caraway's power to keep things from getting lost or stolen. It was used in an ancient love potion, and it was also believed that if you tucked some into your possesions they would be protected from theft. As well it is known to be attractive to fowl and is used to keep chickens and pigeons from straying

Spice Description
Caraway is a biennial that takes two years for full life cycle, after it produces seeds it dies off. It can reach a height of 30-80cm with foliage that is frilly like the foliage of carrots. It has a thick root, similar to a parsnip and hollow fluted stems. The clusters of small flowers can be white, yellow or green. It is an easily grown plant that prefers a well drained soil and a sunny spot. After it flowers, the seed produced are brownish in colour, are ribbed and slightly cresent shaped. It resembles cumin and the two are often confused in Asia. It is commercially cultivated all over Europe as well as in Turkey, India and North African. Dutch caraway is considered to be of high quality and Holland is one of the largest producers.

Culinary Uses
Caraway seeds can hold their flavour for months stored in airtight containers and kept away from light. It is suggested to add seeds after a dish is cooked, as a long simmer may turn the flavour bitter. It has a sweet warm aroma with a flavour similar to aniseed and fennel. It figures prominently in the cuisines of Germany, Austria, eastern Europe and Scandinavia. It seems to have a special affinity for apples, pork and sausages.The spice seems to counter act the fattiness of pork, duck and goose. It is an essential taste in sauerbraten, sauerkraut and rye bread. Smoked and skimmed milk cheeses from Austria, Germany, Hungary Holland and Scandinavia contain whole seed. There are medieval recipes for caraway flavoured cheese that are still in use today. (Dutch cheese). There are many liquers are flavoured with caraway (Kummel, Akuavit gins and Schnapps). It can also be used in cakes cookies, soups, omelets, rice and pasta dishes, cheese spreads and vegetable dishes. In Elizabethan times it was used to flavour bread, cakes and fruit, particularly apples. It was popular with english tea in a seedcake, similar to a pound cake served warm with butter. Caraway seeds were customarily chewed to freshen breath. The essential oil extracted from caraway is used to flavour liquers, mouthwashes, toothpastes and chewing gums. It is also an important addition to Tunisian harissa and some blends of garam masala

Attributed Medicinal Properties
The primary medical benefit of caraway is its effect on digestion. It is a carminative which means it helps with gas and digestion. It is helpful to chew caraway seeds after a heavy meal. It has been used for colic as it is a light sedative and it can be used to settle a queasy stomach (antispasmodic).

Other Names
carvies (Scottish), wild cumin, Roman cumin, Persian caraway

Caraway Cheese Spread

Ingredients
1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
3 oz cream cheese
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 tsp caraway seed and white pepper to taste

Preparation
Blend together and store in refrigerator.

Caraway Seed Cake

Ingredients
1 cup flour
½ tsp baking powder
1/4lb soft butter, plus extra for greasing
6 tblsp caster sugar
3 large eggs
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tsp caraway seeds

Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350F Butter a round cake pan or loaf tin, and line with greaseproof paper.

Sift the flour and baking powder together. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time, adding 1 tsp of flour with each egg to prevent the mix curdling. When the eggs are well incorporated, gently stir in the rest of the flour. Then stir in the milk mixed with the vanilla extract. Stir in the caraway seeds, mixing lightly.

Spoon into the prepared tin and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then turn out on to a wire rack to cool. Serve in wedges or slices, spread with plenty of butter. This cake will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.