Caraway seeds

Caraway or Persian cumin (Carum carvi) is a biennial plant in the family Apiaceae, native to Europe and western Asia. Caraway fruits (erroneously called seeds) are crescent-shaped achenes, around 2 mm long, with five pale ridges. The fruits, usually used whole, have a pungent, anise-like flavor and aroma that comes from essential oils, mostly carvone and limonene. They are used as a spice in breads, especially rye bread. Caraway is also used in liquors, casseroles, and other foods and is an ingredient in sauerkraut, for example. It is also used to add flavor to cheeses. Caraway seeds, brown in color are hard and sharp to touch.