Interesting facts

The scientific name "Carum" is derived from the Arabic "karwija", which in Old German became "karvey". The name "Kümmel" is said to be derived from the Assyrian "kamunu" or the Hebrew "kammon", which in Latin became "cuminum". All the etymologies show in any event that the healing powers of caraway were already known long ago.

In ancient times it was said that caraway grew particularly well if the person sowing it cursed or blasphemed when it was being sown, as this would take evil spirits’ power away. There are different views as to whether the strongly aromatic caraway drove away the good or the bad spirits. In a widely known legend it was said that dwarfs (wood nymphs) are driven away by caraway bread. They cry out "Caraway bread brings fear and distress", "Caraway bread is death to us", "They have baked caraway bread for me, that just brings distress to this house", or "...don’t bake caraway in the bread, then God will help you in your distress".

Caraway is said to act against demons if it is put in a dead person’s coffin (together with salt), spread in the pig sties to ward off all illnesses, or if caraway biscuits are eaten on Maundy Thursday, so as to be protected against fleas all year long. The Romanians in the Bukowina smoke with caraway the nappy of a child who has been outside overnight.

A pot containing cooked caraway placed under the bed is also said to help children who can’t sleep..

The roots and young leaves of the caraway can be enjoyed as a vegetable, salad or spring herb soup.