The Many Uses of Caraway Seed

If you have ever eaten at a delicatessan, you have probably had a corned beef sandwich on rye bread that had caraway seeds in it.  Absolutely delicious!  My mouth waters every time I think of that wonderful sandwich.  It is one of my favorites!

Caraway seed is popular in German, Hungarian and Austrian cooking.  The caraway seed has a pungent aroma that has a note of dried orange peel and a slight hint of anise.  The seed can be ground, but it is better to purchase whole and then grind.  Store caraway seed in an airtight jar for at least 6 months. 

Caraway seed is used in breads, cookies, apples, meats, sauerkraut, soups and stews.  Even cheese makers use the seeds to flavor their varieties. 

A little trivia about caraway is that it was one of 74 herbs grown in Charlemagen's gardens.  It has been used in cooking and medicine for over 5,000 years!

The next time you make homemade rye bread, add a little caraway seeds!