Black Caraway - Cumin des Près

What is black caraway grain?

Black caraway or carum carvi is also called false anise. This herbaceous plant is cultivated both for its seeds and its leaves, like green anise. Mostly cultivated in Europe, black caraway is also found in African and Asian cultures. It is in Egypt that I found for you this black caraway powder. Its name comes from the Persian "karavyja". The caraway appears in the capitulary of Villis, a legislative act dating from the end of the 8th century or the beginning of the 19th century under the reign of Charlemagne. It recommends the cultivation of certain plants such as green anise or caraway. Thus, caraway quickly found its place in France from the Middle Ages. However, caraway has been cultivated for thousands of years, it has been found on archaeological sites of the Neolithic.

What is the flavor of black caraway seeds?

Its flavor is slightly aniseed, close to fennel, that's why it is also called false anise. If it is also called Dutch cumin, mountain cumin or meadow cumin, it is more due to its visual aspect than its taste.

The harvest of the black caraway in grains in the plantations

The carum carvi is a plant that reaches an average height of 40 to 50 cm. It is cultivated for its leaves and its grains. It blooms to give place to fruits which contain the seed of black caraway.

How to use the black caraway seeds in cooking?

If we find the sweetness of the anise, the black caraway presents intense notes. Thus, it will be perfect to accompany the game in a sauce hunter to raise it. The seed of black caraway can also come to accompany your meats grilled in the barbecue in the image of a leg of chicken. Recognized for its digestive properties, it can be judicious, as well for your comfort as for the pleasure of the taste, to put black caraway seed in preparations containing cabbage or Jerusalem artichokes. Caraway is also used in some cold cuts, in Munster cheese or in Kummel and Aquavit, alcoholic drinks. You can also make a caraway infusion to facilitate digestion. Because of its light aniseed taste, caraway also finds its place in your desserts. In an almond cake, a Breton shortbread or a fruit crumble, it will bring a little power and freshness.

The conservation of the black caraway grains

The black caraway grains are delivered in a hermetic bag. You can choose to leave it inside or place it in a spice jar. It is preferable, as for all spices, to leave it away from the light and humidity in order to preserve its taste and its virtues.