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Call caraway the Stone Age seed!
Archaeologists reveal that it was part of early man’s life on a daily basis. I choose to highlight caraway this month because it is said to have magical qualities. It’s known to be an ingredient in love potions and in some countries offers protection from the evil eye and prevents mischievous spirits from entering our homes. Okay, take all of that with a grain of salt, but it’s fun folklore to ponder.
Caraway, also known as meridian fennel, is native to western Asia, Europe and Northern Africa. The plant has a similar look to the carrot with feathery leaves in thin divisions. The main stem is 15 to 23 inches tall and has pretty little white or pink flowers. The seeds, as we call them, are actually fruits.
So, why do I like caraway, you ask? I love the pungent flavor and the aroma is a unique, deep scent that appeals to my senses.
But caraway doesn’t only offer flavor. It is known to aid in digestion and when given in small doses, it relieves gas and indigestion. It also promotes wellness by easing bronchitis, colds (helping promote productive cough to expectorate the phlegm), fever and sore throats.
Here are some ways to use it:
Tea
Put 1 to 2 tsp of pressed seeds into 4 to 5 oz of boiling water
Steep for 15 minutes
Drain and drink, 1 to 3 times per day.
Caraway oil
Put 2 to 3 drops on a sugar cube
Do not take more than 3 to 6 drops per day. Physician’s desk reference states caraway oil when taken in large does can cause liver and kidney damage.
Caraway coleslaw
6 servings, serving size 2/3 cup
Ingredients
1/2 cup nonfat Greek-style yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (16-ounce) bag shredded coleslaw mix
2 teaspoons caraway seeds
In a large bowl whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Add coleslaw mix and caraway seeds and toss to coat.
There are no known drug interactions with caraway.
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