Whole caraway seeds
Description
Whole caraway is a small, elongated, brown seed with distinct ribbed surfaces that releases a warm, slightly nutty and anise-spiced aroma with a hint of bitterness. Its flavor is intense, earthy, and perfectly enhances dishes with a bold structure. Nutritionally, caraway provides fiber, minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, as well as antioxidants, and has traditionally been used as a digestive aid and to alleviate bloating. In culinary practice, it works well in whole grain bread, cold cuts, and pickles, with cabbage, potatoes, soups, stews, marinades, and spice blends in both European and Mediterranean as well as Indian cuisines. It is best to store whole caraway in an airtight, opaque container in a cool, dry, and shaded place; the seeds retain their aroma much longer than ground caraway, which quickly loses its intensity.