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Caraway (Carum carvi)

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Possibly one of the oldest herbs, evidence of caraway has been found in the Neolithic ruins of Europe as well as in ancient Egypt. Medieval medicine recommended the use of caraway for the improvement of digestion as well as for infant colic; William Shakespeare himself made reference to the culinary use of this herb in his play Henry IV, when Falstaff is invited to "take a pippin and a dish of caraways." The flavor of caraway became extremely popular in Tudor England, especially cooked with fruit or for cakes and bread. Caraway has a well known role in the cuisine of Germany, Scandanavia, northern Africa, and various eastern European countries.
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  • General Information
  • Germination
  • Seedlings
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  • Culinary
  • Medicinal
  • Companion Planting
  • Health Benefits of Caraway
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Scientific Name: Carum carvi

Ease of Growing: Easy

Grown as: Biennial 
 
Maturity: June–August


Light: Full sun

​Water: Low. 
Relatively maintenance-free.

Soil Moisture: Prefers well drained or sandy soil

Container: Yes. Caraway will grow very well in a container, provided it is placed in a bright, sunny location.  Use a larger container with a regular potting soil, you will need to fertilize every few weeks and water regularly.

Attracts Beneficial Insects: Yes. Parasitic wasps, lacewings, syrphid flies, minute pirate bugs, and big-eyed bugs. 


Height: 12-18”
 
Spacing: 6-9”

Sow Depth: 1/4"
 
USDA Zone: 3-7

Produces: feathery fronds and umbrella shaped clusters of tiny white flowers.​
Caraway grows best in sandy or well drained soil and full sun. It does not transplant well, so direct sowing after the last spring frost is recommended. Plant the seeds 1/4" deep in rows 18" apart, later thinning the seedlings to 6-8" apart. Germination of caraway is notoriously slow. Caraway can also be planted in the fall.
Keep the soil evenly moist until the plant is established, taking care not to get the foliage wet to prevent disease. After the plant has grown to some height, it can survive quite well in dry soil. Control weeds, especially when the plants are small.
Fresh caraway leaves, which have a flavor similar to dill and are often used in salads, can be harvested at any time after the plant reaches a moderate height. The seeds will not be produced until late summer of the plant's second year. Remove the seed heads as soon as the seeds begin to mature, since they shatter easily. Rub the heads lightly to separate the seed from the heads, and store them in an airtight container.
This variety of caraway, being biennial, will not produce seed until the late summer of its second year; in cold regions, a layer of mulch may be necessary for protection. The seeds will begin to mature about a month after the plant begins flowering. Remove the seed heads as soon as the seeds begin to mature, since they shatter easily. Rub the heads lightly to separate the seed from the heads. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place and use as soon as possible.
Seed: raw or cooked. A spicy flavor, it is used as a flavoring in confectionery and bread, also as a flavoring in salads, vegetables etc. It is high in protein and fat. The seed is often chewed after a meal in order to sweeten the breath and also to relieve heartburn after a rich meal. An essential oil from the seed is used as a flavoring in ice creams, candy, soft drinks etc. The crushed seeds are brewed into a tea. It has a soothing effect on the digestion.

Root: cooked. Used as a vegetable like parsnips. Stronger in taste than parsnips, but liked by many. A delicious vegetable.

Leaves: raw or as a flavoring in soups etc. The young leaves are much less spicy than the seeds and are a good salad, having a mild parsley-dill flavor. They give an aromatic tang to salads. Older leaves can be cooked as a spinach. 
Caraway has a long history of use as a household remedy especially in the treatment of digestive complaints where its antispasmodic action soothes the digestive tract and its carminative action relieves bloating caused by wind and improves the appetite. It is often added to laxative medicines to prevent griping. The seed is antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactogogue and stimulant. It can be chewed raw for the almost immediate relief of indigestion and can also be made into infusions. The seed is also used in the treatment of bronchitis and are an ingredient of cough remedies, especially useful for children. The seed is also said to increase the production of breast milk in nursing mothers. The seed is harvested when fully ripe, then dried and stored in a cool, dry place out of the sunlight. The essential oil can be extracted from the seed and has similar properties. A tea made from the seeds is a pleasant stomachic and carminative, it has been used to treat flatulent colic. The seed is used in Tibetan medicine where it is considered to have an acrid taste and a heating potency. It is used to treat failing vision and loss of appetite.
Source
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Allies: None known.

Companions: Caraway is a good companion to peas. It is slow to germinate, but if sown with fast maturing peas, caraway seedlings will fill in after you harvest the peas. Plant with Strawberries and other shallow rooted plants such as peas, radishes, beetroot, beans, and corn. Caraway has a long taproot that helps loosen compacted soil and bring up nutrients from the subsoil. This carrot family plant also bears lacy white heads of tiny flowers that attract a multitude of insects, including predatory wasps and other beneficials. It is a wonderful companion plant to most herbs.

Enemies: Some companion gardeners have observed that caraway does not grow well next to fennel or dill.

Health Benefits of Caraway Seeds

Caraway seeds are used to treat many health issues primarily associated with digestive health that include IBS, constipation, heartburn, and bloating. Let us look at some of the benefits in detail.


Relieve IBS: When ingested, these seeds can reduce heartburn, bloating, and constipation, and topically, the active ingredients in these seeds have been shown to alleviate IBS symptoms and inflammation.

Improve Sleep: Drinking caraway tea prepared from caraway seeds helps reduce the effects of asthma and promote sleep. This is due to its high magnesium content, which can affect neurotransmitters in the brain and induce relaxation.

Menstrual Relief: Caraway tea is also popular as a pain-relieving tonic for menstrual cramps and also aids in promoting the production of a mother’s milk.

Weight Loss: Caraway extract is a popular diet tool to aid in weight loss since fiber helps you feel full and reduce excess snacking or overeating. 

Heart Health: Caraway helps reduce the cholesterol levels in the cardiovascular system because of its high fiber content. It is also a great support supplement for heart health, along with its high antioxidant and potassium content.

Lower Blood Pressure: Caraway rich in potassium aids in reducing blood pressure.

Skin Care: A hot poultice of caraway is effective for treating red or irritated skin, while the essential oil is used in steam facials. The high concentration of antioxidants help the skin fight free radicals and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. [7] This helps maintain skin elasticity and keeps the skin look younger.

Bone Health: Caraway seeds help improve bone health and bone density. This is due to the presence of zinc and calcium in them.
Source

Health Benefits of Caraway Essential Oil

Galactogogue: Caraway Oil is a known remedy for increasing milk production for lactating mothers. It is advised to consume Caraway essential oil it with honey. It enhances both the quantity and the quality of milk. The baby feeding on this milk is also kept safe from flatulence and indigestion due to the properties of this essential oil.

Anti-Histaminic: Histamine is the major reason behind disruptive and exhausting coughs. People who suffer from seasonal allergies can continue coughing endlessly! Sometimes, the conditions become so severe that the patient runs out of breath and in some cases, the patient might collapse. Although there are many anti-histamine medicines available on the market, they all have their own side effects and do not provide a permanent cure. However, Caraway oil can be miraculously helpful by neutralizing the effects of histamine and cures these potentially dangerous coughs and other ailments associated with histamines and allergies.

Antiseptic & Disinfectant: Caraway Oil is a very good disinfectant and antiseptic substance. It effectively cures infections of the colon, as well as in the digestive, respiratory, urinary and excretory systems, along with treating also external infections. It inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi and prevents the infection of wounds and ulcers. It is also antiseptic and protects wounds against developing tetanus.
 
Cardiac Health: Caraway essential oil is very good for all around cardiac health. It helps maintain proper heart rate, strengthens the cardiac muscles, prevents hardening of the arteries and veins, lower blood pressure, and also lowers the cholesterol level in the blood, thus helping the heart from all angles. Regular use of caraway essential oil can keep the heart healthy for a long time and reduce the risk of heart diseases.

Antispasmodic: Caraway oil gives immediate relief from all sorts of spasms and the ailments associated with spasms. In case of muscular spasms, it gives immediate relief for cramps and muscle pulls by inhibiting the effects of certain enzymes and compounds produced in the body which are responsible for the contraction of the muscles. Similarly, it relieves spasms of the respiratory system and can cure hiccups, non-stop coughs, and breathlessness. It is also helpful in curing spasmodic cholera.

Carminative: Troubled by excessive gas? You should consume a small amount of Caraway oil with warm water and watch (or hear) the results. This remedy is not only good for occasional gas troubles but also for chronic gas problems.

Digestive & Stomachic: A spoon of Caraway oil taken with warm water and a pinch of plain or black salt cures all sorts of indigestion and speeds up digestion by stimulating the secretion of gastric juices, acids, and bile into the stomach. Caraway oil is also stomachic, that is, it keeps the stomach healthy by protecting it from infections, curing ulcers, and facilitating digestion.

Diuretic: Caraway essential oil is an ideal diuretic! It is literally a blessing for those who are suffering from obstructed urination, renal calculi, high blood pressure or those who want to lose weight. An increase in the frequency and quantity of urination can help you in all of the above situations. Caraway oil stimulates urination, thereby lowering blood pressure, reducing fat, removing uric acid and cleaning deposits from the kidney. A lot of urination also frees the urinary tract from infections.

​Emenagogue: Caraway Oil is a very good treatment for women suffering from delayed or obstructed menstruation. It opens up menstruation and provides relief. It also gives relief for woman experiencing Post Menopause Syndrome.

Expectorant: It is a remarkable expectorant. Even smelling this powerful oil gives relief from congestion that has resulted from coughs and colds. When taken with honey or warm water, it loosens mucus deposited in the respiratory system. It gives immediate and long lasting relief in inflammation of the nasal tract, larynx, pharynx, bronchi and throat due to colds and other illnesses.

Aperitif: Caraway Oil has mild aperitif properties as well, so it can increase appetite and improve digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices. Furthermore, it helps clear the bowels and ease constipation.

Stimulant: Caraway Oil is warming and stimulating. It is particularly helpful in curing depression and fatigue. It stimulates all the systems and cycles functioning within the body, including the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, nervous, and excretory systems. It also activates the brain and helps keep you alert and awake.

Tonic: It tones the heart, liver, organic systems, skin and muscles, reduces wrinkles, boosts strength and energy and makes you feel young and recharged.

Insecticide & Vermifuge: It kills insects residing both on and inside the body. It can end the problem of lice and intestinal worms in a very safe way. Most medicines that are used to kill intestinal worms can have very adverse effects on children, unlike  Caraway oil, which is completely safe.

Other Benefits: There are many other applications for caraway oil, although less research exists for some of these claims.  Its external application can clear congestion in cases of cough and cold, makes the skin bright and fair, can cure inflammation of inner thighs and the areas around the genitals, as well as curing vitiligo, leprosy, rashes, acne, warts, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, vision loss, headache, backache, toothache, and hair loss.  Its internal application is capable of curing coughs and colds, nervousness and tension, fatigue, meningitis, loss of memory, diabetes, renal calculi, nausea, vomiting, heart diseases, acidity, impotency, hypertension, diarrhea, fever, insomnia and problems related to secretions from the endocrine glands. Regular intake of caraway oil is said to protect from all ailments and diseases and keep people healthy and looking young for a long time.

A Few Words of Caution: There are no inherent dangers to Caraway essential oil, except in some rare cases of irritation when a highly concentrated form was applied to the skin.

Blending: Caraway oil blends well with Basil, Coriander, Frankincense, Chamomile, Ginger, Orange and Lavender Oils.
Source

Suggested Varieties

Pea: Alaska (Heirloom) (Pisum sativum​)

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Alaska peas, first known as Earliest of All Pea, (Pisum sativum) are a type of English garden pea from Bedford, England that was introduced in 1881 by Thomas Laxton. They are a result of the crossing of Ringleader and Little Gem peas. They contain less sugar and matures earlier than other pea plant cultivars. They were introduced in the United States in 1882 by James J.H. Gregory and have been one of the most popular pea varieties ever since. These peas are sturdy, grow well in cooler weather and are adapted for a shorter growing season. With optimal growing conditions, these flavorful legumes will develop rapidly and be ready for harvest in under two months.
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Pea: Early Frosty (Heirloom) (Pisum sativum​)

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Though no one really knows when peas were first cultivated, historians can be certain that people grew them for food by the Bronze Age. Legend has it that fresh peas first became popular when a French gardener introduced them to the court of Louis XIV. Because they could be dried and stored for long periods of time, people in colonial times also valued this vegetable. Horticulturalists and gardeners alike have continued cultivating peas of all varieties and sizes.
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Radish: Early Scarlet Globe (Heirloom) (Raphanus sativus)

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Early ​Scarlet Globe is an early variety of radish and an favorite of many home gardeners because it matures in just 23 days!  Though their exact origin is unknown, certainly have been growing in America since the late 19th century. After reviewing an assortment of the early radishes then available, the June 1913 issue of "Garden Magazine" said of Scarlet Globe, "it remains in good table condition longer than any of the early sorts mentioned above." ​​
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Radish: German Giant (Heirloom) (Raphanus sativus)

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Radishes, in their early forms, come from the ancient civilizations of China, Greece, and Egypt; soon, surrounding nations also cultivated this vegetable. While the Oriental nations cultivated the large, elongated radishes, most of the round varieties such as German Giant were developed by the Dutch and the French. German Giant, as the name suggests, is an Amish heirloom that originated in Germany.​
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Radish: Watermelon (Heirloom) (Raphanus sativus)

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The Watermelon radish is a type of Japanese winter radish also known as a "daikon," which simply means "large root" in Japanese. Daikon radishes account for the largest percentage of any cultivated vegetable in Japan, and can be found in some form in nearly every meal of that country. Watermelon radishes, which orginated in north China near Beijing, are often served sweetened there as a dessert or fruit.

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Radish: White Spear Sprouting (Heirloom) (Raphanus sativus)

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White Spear is a type of Japanese winter radish also known as a "daikon," which simply means "large root" in Japanese. Daikon radishes account for the largest percentage of any cultivated vegetable in Japan, and can be found in some form in nearly every meal of that country.
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Beets: Detroit Dark Red (Heirloom) (Beta vulgaris)

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Detroit Dark Red heirloom beets hail from Ontario, Canada, where a Mr. Reeves developed them from blood turnips. This globular beet first made its appearance in 1892. However, beets seem to have originated in the Mediterranean region, where people grew them for thousands of years. Later, beets grew in Germany and Holland and were used as cattle fodder; they were later imported to England for this purpose, but the poor began to raise them for an affordable food source. American colonists later brought them to the New World, where they became a commonly enjoyed food both for their roots and their greens.
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Beans: Kentucky Wonder Pole (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)

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First appearing in the late 1800's, Kentucky Wonder Pole beans are descended from an old variety of pole bean called Texas Pole. When first introduced, Kentucky Wonder had the name of Old Homestead. In 1877, James J. H. Gregory & Sons made it available in their catalog. It immediately became widely popular for its flat, stringless pods that could be eaten fresh or dried for soup beans.
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Beans: Lazy Housewife Pole (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)

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2015 Bean of the Year. ​Brought to America by German immigrants and first listed in W. Atlee Burpee’s 1888 catalog. These beans were so-named because they were the first beans to not require destringing! Originally cultivated in Central America, from Mexico to Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. The smaller beans are thought to have been cultivated in Mexico as long as 7,000 years ago, while the larger beans were cultivated in Peru starting 8,000 years ago. High in protein, easy to grow, dry and cook, they have sustained mankind for millennia.

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Bean: Royalty Purple Pod Green (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)

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Royalty Purple Pod Green bean will add beautiful color to your garden with it's purple foliage and purple flowers. The bright purple pods are 5" long, stringless and turn green when cooked. This beautiful bush bean was introduced by Billy Hepler Seed Company in 1957. 
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Corn: Country Gentleman-Open Pollinated (Heirloom) (Zea mays)

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Country Gentleman corn, a heirloom variety, is the most well known variety of shoepeg corn. Named for the similarity of its kernels to wooden pegs used in shoe making, shoepeg corn is characterized by small, irregular white kernels of unsurpassed tenderness and sweetness. The American South has made this type of corn its own, and it is virtually unrecognized in other areas of the United States. Country Gentleman was first offered for sale in 1890 by S. D. Woodruff & Sons.
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Corn: Golden Bantam-Open Pollinated (Heirloom) (Zea mays)

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A Greenfield, Massachusetts native named J. G. Pickett is credited with developing this marvelous variety of corn. Later, seed expert E. L. Coy sent it to Burpee with the note, "you now own the very richest and sweetest corn ever known."
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Corn, Popcorn: Shaman's Blue (Hybrid) Open Pollinated (Zea mays)

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Blue corn originated in the Andes Mountains of Peru, where the native peoples usually ground it into flour for cooking. Indians of Mexico and the southwestern United States also widely used this corn, since its dryness made it an excellent flour corn and gave it good resistance to disease. This exciting blue popcorn receives high marks for both visual and taste appeal. The unique blue/purple kernel pops into mounds of snow white popcorn that will satisfy any popcorn lover with its slightly sweet flavor.

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