Caraway

Caraway belongs to the umbelliferae family such as coriander and is native to Europe and northern and western Asia. Its seeds are elongated and slightly curved, darker than those of the very similar cumin. Its smell is either very intense and sweet, but it is more pleasant than cumin's. It contain up to 5% of essential oil, composed mainly of carvone and limonene. Other important components are sugars, iron, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, vitamin C. It is used for the preparation of some types of strong- taste pungent smelling cheese, such as gorgonzola. It possess digestive properties such as bay leaves and star anise plant, stimulant and diuretic. It is used to treat colitis, colic and other gastro intestinal disease. It is also used in cases of lack of appetite and anorexia, as they stimulate appetite. Caraway seed, whole or ground, origin Finland, Holland and Russia are also available.