Caraway

the fruit of caraway (Carvi fructus)

Caraway (Carum carvi) is a biennial of the carrot family which makes a rosette at ground level in the first year and, in the second, a stem up to a metre tall with white umbels. It grows in meadows, above all in hill country, and is sown here as well.

The fruit, the so-called seed, is gathered when the umbels have turned brown but have not yet shed, usually in July. The shoots are cut, tied in bunches and hung over paper or cloth so that the fruit drops out of itself. The dried fruit is kept in a tight container, because the scent soon evaporates.

Caraway is often confused with fennel and anise, all three plants of the carrot family with a sweetish scent, but three different plants. In Ašič's collection the fruit of caraway appears in the BebeSIT, VetroviSIT, Appetite Tea and Lenten Tea blends.

Use and evidence

The EMA recognises traditional use to relieve bloating and wind; it does not support the treatment of diseases of the liver or the heart, or breastfeeding by providing more milk. EMA 1, EMA 2.