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Carum carvi
  • Caraway

a biennial member of the Carum genus in the family Umbelliferae.

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • ?
    Unknown
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Carum carvi has 0 edible uses listed
Carum carvi has 0 material uses listed
Carum carvi has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

Caraway is said to contain the alleged 'psychotroph' myristicine[1].

Edible uses

Notes

Seed - raw or cooked. A spicy flavour, it is used as a flavouring in confectionery and bread, also as a flavouring in salads, vegetables etc[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. It is high in protein and fat[10]. The seed is often chewed after a meal in order to sweeten the breath and also to relieve heartburn after a rich meal[11]. Per 100g, the seed contains 333 calories, 10g water, 20g protein, 14.5g fat, 50g carbohydrate, 12.5g fibre, 6g ash, 689mg calcium, 568mg phosphorus, 16.2mg iron, 258mg magnesium, 17mg sodium, 1351mg potassium, 5.5mg zinc, 363 IU vitamin A, 0.383mg thiamine, 0.379mg riboflavin, 3.61mg niacin[1].

An essential oil from the seed is used as a flavouring in ice creams, candy, soft drinks etc[9][12]. It is an essential ingredient of the liqueur kümmel[11]. Root - cooked[9]. Used as a vegetable like parsnips[2][3][5][10][13][14]. Stronger in taste than parsnips, but liked by many[15]. A delicious vegetable[11]. Leaves - raw or as a flavouring in soups etc[2][10][8][13][14]. The young leaves are much less spicy than the seeds and are a good salad[5], having a mild parsley-dill flavour[12]. They give an aromatic tang to salads[11]. Older leaves can be cooked as a spinach[9].

The crushed seeds are brewed into a tea[9]. It has a soothing effect on the digestion[11].

Unknown part

Condiment
Tea

Leaves

Unknown use

Root

Unknown use

Seed

Unknown use

Material uses

An essential oil from the seed is used in perfumery, for scenting soap, as a parasiticide etc[16][17][18][19]. Twenty-five kilos of seed yield about 1 kilo of essential oil[3]. The essential oil yield of the seed from plants cultivated in Poland is up to 10.33%[20].

Unknown part

Essential
Parasiticide

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

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[3][12][21]. It is often added to laxative medicines to prevent griping[12].

The seed is antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactogogue and stimulant[3][16][5][22][17][23][24][20]. It can be chewed raw for the almost immediate relief of indigestion and can also be made into infusions[12]. The seed is also used in the treatment of bronchitis and are an ingredient of cough remedies, especially useful for children[21]. The seed is also said to increase the production of breast milk in nursing mothers[21]. The seed is harvested when fully ripe, then dried and stored in a cool, dry place out of the sunlight[11]. The essential oil can be extracted from the seed and has similar properties[3]. A tea made from the seeds is a pleasant stomachic and carminative, it has been used to treat flatulent colic[15][24].

The seed is used in Tibetan medicine where it is considered to have an acrid taste and a heating potency[25]. It is used to treat failing vision and loss of appetite[25].

Unknown part

Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Aromatic
Carminative
Digestive
Emmenagogue
Expectorant
Galactogogue
Ophthalmic
Stimulant

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - it is best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in late summer and early autumn[3][26]. The seed can also be sown March/April in situ[26], though in areas with cool summers the plants might not produce a crop of ripe seeds[12]. Plants are very sensitive to root disturbance and should not be transplanted.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Carum carvi. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil as long as it is not too wet in winter[27]. Prefers a moist soil in full sun or partial shade[3][26]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.8 to 7.6.

Caraway is a well-known herb that has been cultivated for its culinary and medicinal uses since ancient times[11]. It is frequently cultivated in the modern herb garden and sometimes also commercially[3][17], there are some named varieties[9]. Plants growing in more northerly latitudes and also in full sun are richer in essential oils and therefore more aromatic[3][28]. Plants strongly resent root disturbance[26]. They often self-sow freely when in a suitable location[11].

This species is deep rooted[29] and is a good plant for breaking up the sub-soil on heavy, wet land[6][7]. It dislikes growing near fennel or wormwood[10][7] but is a good companion for most plants, especially those that are shallow-rooted[29]. The flowers attract parasitic wasps to the garden, these prey on aphids and so help to reduce populations of insect pests[12].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Carum carvi. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Carum carvi.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Carum carvi
Genus
Carum
Family
Umbelliferae
Imported References
Edible uses
[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][1][12][13][14][15]
Medicinal uses
[3][12][21][16][5][22][17][23][24][20][11][15][25]
Material uses & Functions
[16][17][18][19][3][20]
Botanic
[30]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
?
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    biennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    0.6 x 0.25 meters
    Fertility
    self fertile
    Pollinators
    Bees
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

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    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.2 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.3 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    3. ? 3.003.013.023.033.043.053.063.073.083.093.103.113.12 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins ISBN 0-00-219060-5 (1974-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.5 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.2 Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.3 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.2 Vilmorin. A. The Vegetable Garden. Ten Speed Press ISBN 0-89815-041-8 ()
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.59.6 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.210.310.4 Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (1979-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.211.311.411.511.611.711.811.9 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.212.312.412.512.612.712.8 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.113.2 Harris. B. C. Eat the Weeds. Pivot Health (1973-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.114.2 Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ()
    15. ? 15.015.115.215.3 Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File. ISBN 0-8160-2624-6 (1993-00-00)
    16. ? 16.016.116.216.3 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.117.217.317.4 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    18. ? 18.018.1 Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation (1968-00-00)
    19. ? 19.019.1 Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press (1952-00-00)
    20. ? 20.020.120.220.3 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
    21. ? 21.021.121.221.3 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    22. ? 22.022.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    23. ? 23.023.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
    24. ? 24.024.124.2 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
    25. ? 25.025.125.2 Tsarong. Tsewang. J. Tibetan Medicinal Plants Tibetan Medical Publications, India ISBN 81-900489-0-2 (1994-00-00)
    26. ? 26.026.126.226.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    27. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    28. ? Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
    29. ? 29.029.1 Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (1993-00-00)
    30. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)

    "image:Carum_carvi_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-172.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Carum_carvi&oldid=75971"
    Facts about "Carum carvi"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyUmbelliferae +
    Belongs to genusCarum +
    Has binomial nameCarum carvi +
    Has common nameCaraway +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partUnknown part +, Leaves +, Root + and Seed +
    Has edible useCondiment +, Unknown use + and Tea +
    Has fertility typeSelf fertile + and Bees +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has imageCarum carvi - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-172.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typeBiennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useEssential + and Parasiticide +
    Has mature height0.6 +
    Has mature width0.25 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntiseptic +, Antispasmodic +, Aromatic +, Carminative +, Digestive +, Emmenagogue +, Expectorant +, Galactogogue +, Ophthalmic + and Stimulant +
    Has primary imageCarum_carvi_-_Köhler–s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-172.jpg +
    Has search namecarum carvi + and caraway +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameCarum carvi +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
    Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Carum carvi +, Carum carvi +, Carum carvi +, Carum carvi +, Carum carvi +, Carum carvi +, Carum carvi +, Carum carvi +, Carum carvi +, Carum carvi +, Carum carvi +, Carum carvi +, Carum carvi +, Carum carvi +, Carum carvi +, Carum carvi + and Carum carvi +