Carvi seed (known as caraway seed) is a small aromatic seed from the caraway herb (Carum Carvi). It is commonly used as a spice in the food industry. These seeds have a wonderful flavour and are used in the preparation of breads, cheeses, sauerkrauts, and various dishes made from meat and other meat products.
In this article, we are going to discuss how to grow carvi from seed and its uses in our daily lives. We will also discuss about carvi herbal tea and carvi essential oil, so let’s get started.
How to Grow Carvi from Seeds
Caraway can be produced through seeds with ease, and here is a guide on how to do it. Here’s a basic guide:
Soil selection:
The Carvi plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Caraway favors slightly acidic soil and its optimum pH (6. 0–7. 0).
Prepare the Soil:
To prepare the soil, we have to remove the weeds, rocks, and other hard material from the soil to loosen it. We can also add organic matter or small amount of fertilizers in the soil. Also, make sure the soil is well drained and not waterlogged.
Planting:
Plant carvi seeds directly in your garden. If you live in a hot area, plant them in the winter, whereas if you live in a cold climate, plant the seeds in the early spring or summer. Make a small hole and then plant the seed in it, gently burying them just under the soil.
Watering:
Watering is an essential element for plant germination. We have to water regularly while avoiding overwatering, especially when the seeds are germinating. It would be wise to lightly spray the seeds once they have been sown, after which they can be watered from time to time.
Maintenance and Care:
After the seedlings grow to a few inches tall, expert gardeners advise thinning them to retain only the healthy seedlings at a proper distance apart.
However, they should be provided with proper spacing in the garden. Weeds should be removed from the area periodically so that they do not compete for water and nutrients. You can also apply a balanced fertiliser if the plants require one, but the caraway plant prefers moderate amounts of fertility in the soil.
Harvesting:
Caraway plants normally mature in 90–120 days after sowing the seeds. After they turn brown, it is considered ideal for harvesting them. Spread them on the prepared tray after harvesting and let them dehydrate for about one to two weeks.
Packing and Storage:
After making sure the seeds have been completely dried, carefully store them. Clean the seeds well and carefully pack them in an airtight container. Place the container in a cool, dry place. Also make sure they are far from the sun. If store properly, these seeds could be used for many years to come.
These are the few happy steps of growing carvi from seed, and if followed properly, you can enjoy your harvest in just four months.
Carvi vs. Cumin
Caraway and cumin are two different types of spices that may be used in cooking but have distinct flavours, smells, and looks, even though people may think they are the same since they look alike. Here’s a comparison between the two:
Here’s a comparison between the two:
Plant and Appearance:
Caraway: These seeds are obtained from Carum carvi, related to the parsley plant. They are small, half-moon-shaped, and brown in colour, normally 1/6 to 1/8 inch in size.
Cumin: Cumin seeds come from a plant called Cuminum cyminum in the Apiaceae family. The seeds are lengthy and bay-shaped and can be bound by a brown husk.
Flavour and Aroma:
Caraway: It possess a great taste that you can describe as strong, mildly sweet, or even spicy, with primary and secondary outlined notes of anise and fennel, respectively.
Cumin: Cumin seeds have a warm, rather hot, and spicy aromatic taste, with a note of orange peel or bitterness.
Culinary Uses:
Caraway: These seeds originated in Europe and are hence frequently featured in various recipes that include rye bread, sauerkraut, and different meat preparations. They are also incorporated in Middle Eastern diets.
Cumin: Cumin seeds are widely used in Indian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and North African foods. They are quite vital in most curry powders, chili powders, and garam, as well as other spices.
Health Benefits:
Consumption of caraway and cumin seeds is considered to have digestive benefits because they could possibly be used to cure bloating, gas, and indigestion. They are also being found to be full of antioxidants and could also serve as anti-inflammatory agents.
In conclusion, it is clear that, although caraway and cumin seeds are in fact seeds from plants in the same family, they taste different and are used in cooking differently as well.
Carvi Seed Essential Oil
Caraway seed oil is an essential oil that is made from Carum Carvi with the steam distillation method. It is a strongly scented oil similar to caraway and has a taste familiar to caraways, though it is obviously different.
Here’s some information about caraway seed oil:
Flavour and aroma:
The oil has an intense smell, close to the smell of carvi seeds, and can be described as spiced and warm. This has a pungent, sweetish taste with a slightly nutty undertone, with a subtle taste of anise and fennel.
Culinary Uses:
Caraway essential oil can be used as a spice or flavour in European cuisine due to its ability to act as a flavouring compound. It contributes to expanding the palynological base and enriching specialised and everyday products, including bread and Budapeshta, sauerkraut, pickles, and others, as well as various types of meat and vegetable dishes.
Health Benefits:
Like seeds, caraway essential oil has been found to have some influence on digestion. Moreover, it is utilised for treating conditions like bloating, gas, and indigestion.
And it has added more antioxidants and propounds with anti-inflammatory constituent capacities as well.
Aromatherapy and Medicinal Uses:
Caraway essential oil is another essential oil employed in aromatherapy with the purpose of uplifting and invigorating effects. It may reduce mental stress and provide the sense of relaxation that is needed to be free from mental pressure.
It is used in traditional herbal systems for treating ailments related to the digestive system.
Storage and Shelf Life:
Caraway essential oil must be stored well. To retain taste and smell, it is recommended to store it in a dark area without heat or direct sunlight. It can be used for at least 2 years if properly stored.
All in all, caraway essential oil can be used as an effective addition to cooking, which not only imparts a unique taste and smell to recipes but also may possess health-boosting and other positive effects on the human physique and psyche.
Carvi Seed Herbal Tea
Caraway tea is an herbal tea prepared from carvi seeds and has an impressive and fresh aroma. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of carvi seeds
- A cup of water
Instructions:
- Place some water in a saucepan and let it boil.
- After boiling the water, add seeds in the saucepan.
- Lower the heat to low and allow the seeds to simmer in the water for up to 10 minutes. It also ensures the oil from the caraway seeds spreads into the water, enabling adequate absorption of the flavour and aroma.
- Once it boils, turn off the heat and let your tea leaves infuse for 5 more minutes in the saucepan.
- Lay a sieve over a cup, filter the tea, and pour away the caraway seeds.
- That’s it! Go grab a warm and relaxing cup of caraway tea!
Pro Tip: One may add honey or even a slice of lemon for sweetening or a more appropriate taste of the tea, but some people prefer taking the tea without the extras.
Caraway tea have positive effects on the gastrointestinal system, where it can help deal with issues such as pressure, gases, and even digestion. It is also mild, non-bitter, and possesses a uniquely sweet note that suggests anise or fennel, making it enjoyable if consumed with or without any food item.
Conclusion:
The carvi seed is one of the easiest-grown seed in your garden, with a bountiful harvest in just 3–4 months. Not only is it used in the culinary world, but it also helps in medicine, while its refreshing aroma uplifts the mood and releases stress. Follow the guide and enrich your garden with this beautiful plant.
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FAQs
Can you grow carvi from seeds?
Yes, we can grow carvi using seeds.
Does carvi seeds help with digestion?
Yes, carvi helps in alleviating indigestion, gas, and other gastric problems.
