[meta description: Caraway seeds are dried fruits of the Carum carvi herb, and it’s well-known for its rich antioxidants and healing properties. Discover where caraway seeds come from.]
Caraway seeds are native to Asia, North Africa, and Europe, but they can be found all over the modern world. These dried seeds are part of the Carum carvi plant, which is hailed for having health benefits that can treat pain, inflammation and improve the immune system. That said, knowing about where they come from is important, especially if you plan on using them to treat any ailments. After all, you don’t want caraway seeds that weren’t grown properly, and you might want the genuine seed to add some flavor to your next meal.
The good news is that we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about what Caraway seeds are, the benefits they offer, and where you can find them.
What Are Caraway Seeds?
Caraway seeds are dried seeds that come from the Carum carvi plant. They’re used in cooking, medicine, and holistic healing. Caraway seed oil is also popular when used in aroma diffusers as an essential oil. This use case is great for relaxation and some other applications. It’s also worth noting that caraway seeds are close relatives of carrots, cumin, and fennel seeds.
For these reasons, caraway seeds are popular around the world, not just in countries like Asia that they’re native to. Caraway seeds may also go by the name Meridian fennel or Persian cumin, so keep this in mind when looking for more information about these seeds.
What Are the Types of Caraway Seeds?
Caraway seeds can come from a few types of caraway pants. Most seeds taste and look similar, so don’t worry about any major differences in seed quality. The three most common types of caraway seeds include:
- Black caraway (Nigella sativa): Black seeds that have bitter, nutty, and spicy flavor
- Ajwain: Similar to thyme. The seeds are best used when dry-roasted
Each type of caraway seed has unique benefits, so understanding each type is important.
What Are Caraway Seeds Used For?
Caraway seeds can be used for lots of things, depending on how you get them. For example, caraway seed oil is great in a bath or aroma diffuser but not great in food. On the other hand, caraway seeds are great spices for cooking when you crush them up. Typically, these seeds are used in bread, sausage, and some other food products.
Caraway seeds are also used for medical purposes. They’re great at helping digestion and can reduce inflammation and improve immune function. These benefits can be applied by putting them on the skin (caraway seed oil) or by ingesting them with your meals.
Depending on your needs, you can use caraway seeds in a lot of ways.
Where Do Caraway Seeds Come From?
Caraway seeds come from all around the world. You can find them in many countries, but they’re native to western regions of Asia and countries in Europe. They’re part of the parsley family, so it’s not uncommon to see them growing where other types of parsley are found. The main countries that grow caraway seeds today include the following:
- The United States
- Finland
- Holland
- Egypt
- Germany
- Canada
- Spain
- Serbia
- Netherlands
- Macedonia
These are only some of the most common countries that grow caraway seeds. They can now be found all around the world.
Where Did Caraway Seeds Originate?
Caraway seeds are grown all around the world today,w but this wasn’t the case until the Middle Ages. The plant was originally cultivated in North Africa, Western parts of Asia, and Eastern parts of Europe. Many experts believe that the ancient Arab cultures were the first people to cultivate and use caraway seeds.
Once it was cultivated in Europe, it spread around the world to many continents fast, including the United States and Canada.
Can You Grow Your Caraway Seeds?
Yes, you can grow your own caraway seeds indoors and outdoors. They need a temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate, so keep this in mind when planting seeds. Additionally, they require large amounts of light to grow properly. For these reasons, you can grow them just about anywhere as long as the climate is temperate or includes a long spring and summer.
How to Get Caraway Seeds
Caraway seeds are easy to find, as long as you have access to a grocery store or vitamin shop. Plus, caraway seed ingredients are available in plenty of food items, so you don’t always need the seeds.
The first place you can find caraway seeds is online. You can order online and have caraway seeds or caraway seed oil shipped right to your door. If you plan on getting caraway seed oil, we always recommend using this one from Wholesale Botanics. Their oil is well-made, has a great fragrance, and can be used in almost any aroma diffuser.
Another way to caraway seeds is to visit your local grocery store. Some stores will sell caraway seeds (whole seeds) or seeds that have been mashed into powder. Depending on your needs, both are viable and affordable options.
These are the best ways to get caraway seeds, once you know where it comes from.
Get Caraway Seeds Today!
Caraway seeds are available around the world, so you don’t have to worry about venturing to some faraway continent to get them. In fact, some caraway seeds are grown in the United States and some South American countries. This makes caraway seeds an affordable dried fruit product that you can use as an essential oil, food additive, or holistic medical treatment.
Before consuming caraway seeds make sure you understand the risks and always consult with a doctor if you plan on using them for treatment. If you’re going the aroma diffuser route, don’t worry, there isn’t much to worry about at all.
