McCormick Whole Caraway Seed

McCormick Caraway Seed, Whole 16oz (1 lb) 453g - FAQ

Q: What does caraway taste like?

A: Caraway has a pleasantly sweet but slightly biting flavor, with an aromatic, spicy aroma. Many describe the taste as a blend of dill and anise, or similar to cumin but more bitter with a stronger aroma.

Q: Where do caraway seeds come from?

A: Caraway seeds are the dried fruit of the Carum carvi herb, a member of the parsley family. They are native to Northern Africa, the Mediterranean, and much of Europe, and today are grown widely in Holland, Finland, Germany, Egypt, the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Q: How long have people used caraway?

A: Caraway is believed to have been used longer in Europe than any other condiment. Seeds have been found in food dating back to 3000 BC, and Ancient Egyptians buried their dead with caraway to ward off evil spirits. During the Middle Ages its use spread through Europe from the Arabian Peninsula.

Q: What cuisines use caraway?

A: Caraway is common in German, Austrian, Russian, Hungarian, Scandinavian, and Eastern European cooking. It is also used in Indian, Indonesian, and Caribbean dishes. It appears in rye bread, sauerkraut, sauerbraten, sausages, cheeses, and even liquors like kummel and aquavit.

Q: What dishes go well with caraway?

A: Caraway has a special affinity with potato dishes, cabbage, and root vegetables. It is used in rye bread, cornbread, cheese spreads, stews, soups, and marinades. It also complements apples, pork, duck, and goose by cutting the fattiness of meats.

Q: Should I use whole or ground caraway?

A: Both forms are useful. Whole seeds add texture and release flavor during baking or cooking. Ground caraway blends smoothly and often gives a "what is that pleasant flavor?" reaction in dishes. Seeds should be added near the end of cooking to prevent bitterness.

Q: Does caraway have other uses beyond cooking?

A: Yes. Caraway seed oil is used in aromatherapy, mouthwashes, toothpastes, and chewing gums. It has a history of being used for digestion, inflammation relief, and other medicinal purposes. Caraway seeds have also been used in folklore to protect belongings from theft and as an ingredient in love potions, including the famous number 9.