Caraway Seeds

Caraway seeds are the dried fruit of the caraway plant (Carum carvi), a member of the parsley family. Native to Europe and Western Asia, the seeds have a distinctive aroma and a flavor often described as anise-like or slightly peppery. They are harvested from the plant and dried for use as a spice.

Caraway seeds are primarily used as a flavoring agent in a variety of foods. Their warm, slightly pungent taste makes them a popular addition to breads, especially rye and pumpernickel, as well as crackers, cheese, and sauerkraut. They can also be found in some spice blends and savory dishes.

In the United States, caraway seeds are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a spice or flavoring. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated caraway and its extracts. While traditional medicine has used caraway for various ailments, scientific evidence for specific health benefits at typical dietary intake levels is limited. Research is ongoing, but no major controversies surround its use as a food ingredient.