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What is caraway?
Caraway is also called cumin of the meadows. It is a biennial herbaceous plant of the Apiaceae family. This one is cultivated for its leaves and for its seeds and is very appreciated for its aromatic qualities. It is a plant close to fennel and anise that should nevertheless be dosed sparingly. Indeed, at too high a dose, caraway can be toxic. If it is not cumin, know that it is nevertheless called so in Alsace and in French-speaking Switzerland, which can sometimes be confusing. Caraway is a plant that is 25 to 60 cm tall and the leaves are divided into lobes. The whole is also decorated with small white flowers grouped in umbels. Caraway grows in regions with a temperate to warm climate and comes mainly from North Africa, Asia and Europe. Thus, it is possible to find it in Portugal and France. Its use is very old. It dates back in an attested way to the year 1500 BC. Today, caraway leaves are used to flavor certain dishes such as salads or soups. Nevertheless, it is its seeds that remain the most sought after because they are much more aromatic. They are then used to flavor meats but are also used in the manufacture of cheese such as Munster. Likewise, caraway enhances the taste of sauerkraut, certain cold cuts or harissa. It dates back in an attested way to the year 1500 BC. Today, caraway leaves are used to flavor certain dishes such as salads or soups. Nevertheless, it is its seeds that remain the most sought after because they are much more aromatic. They are then used to flavor meats but are also used in the manufacture of cheese such as Munster. Likewise, caraway enhances the taste of sauerkraut, certain cold cuts or harissa. also used in the manufacture of cheese such as munster.
Caraway in our perfumes
In addition to its benefits and virtues in terms of digestive stimulant, caraway essential oil is widely used by perfumers. Indeed, it is a plant with a typically spicy and slightly cumin scent. It gives the perfumes that contain it a strong personality and gives it its intense note. Thus, caraway requires a deep mastery of the perfumer, without which its smell quickly becomes unbearable. The scent of its seeds is integrated in small quantities in modern men's perfumes and the latter is obtained by distillation. In reality, caraway seeds, growing from May to June, are dried and then crushed before being distilled. Caraway is then very often found in cool waters or in male ferns.
For example, be aware that the perfumes CK One Summer 2013 by Calvin Klein, Angélique Noire by Guerlain or Noir by Tom Ford contain it.
