Feature Product – Caraway Seeds

Did you know Township27 carries a full line of pantry spices? When talking to customers, we found that many fellow food lovers like to make their own blends and sauces. What we really appreciate, is that a recipe is only as good as the ingredients you put into it. We air to ensure people appreciate high quality food, and that led to offering the same ingredients that we put into our products.

Our ingredients are sources for freshness and quality, something you will appreciate as soon as you open the jar. We have highlighted some of the more popular and common ingredients, such as our chili line-up, cinnamon and paprika, but what about some of the less common pantry spices?

What is the difference between regular Oregano and Mexican Oregano? What is Tamarind powder for? What do you put Fenugreek in?

This week, we are going to highlight Caraway Seeds.

Caraway is a member of the parsley family, which also includes dill, anise, fennel and cumin. Caraway seeds are similar in appearance to cumin seeds. It was historically used in traditional European cuisine.

Patty Erd, spice merchant and owner of The Spice House in Chicago, describes the history of Caraway in the article Caraway, The Caraway Seed - a Spice Worth Meeting:

"It seems caraway was Europe's oldest condiment, she says. Evidence found in lake dwellings in Switzerland suggests it dates back at least 5,000 years. The Romans get credit for spreading the seeds throughout Europe in their conquering travels, and it was cultivated in Europe from Sicily to Scandinavia since the Middle Ages. Early uses for caraway were medicinal, Erd says. References found in German medical books dating back to the 12th century cite it as a stomach tonic as well as a remedy for flatulence and colic.”

Today it is used to flavour rye breads, biscuits, cakes, stews, meat dishes, cheeses, sauerkraut and pickles. It is also used to flavour curries. Caraway is the main ingredient in Aquavit, a Scandinavian spirit.

Caraway has a licorice or anise taste, with an earthy and peppery aroma. Caraway seeds are often added whole to dishes, but can also be ground if a recipe specifies it.

If you would like to try cooking with Caraway, come back on Friday for this week’s Weekend Meal Inspiration: Souto Farms Roasted Carrots and Beets with Caraway & Sea Salt.