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The spicy-hot caraway seeds are very popular. In order to be able to harvest them properly, however, they must above all be watered correctly.
Pouring caraway correctly
Like many popular kitchen herbs, caraway (Carum carvi) has its origins in the milder and dry regions of the Mediterranean and the Near East. But the caraway stands out from its spicy colleagues. While most Mediterranean herbs like well-drained soil and usually withstand dry periods well, caraway prefers heavy clay soil and an abundant water supply.
Even during short periods of drought, the herb should be watered when growing in the bed to ensure optimal supply. Of course, the right amount has to be found, because even caraway seeds don't do well with waterlogging. Too unrestrained watering endangers the harvest due to increased potential for infestation with various root fungi. If the spice is grown in containers, the right size must be ensured due to the formation of a taproot about 15 cm long. But also the sufficient supply of water is favored by a somewhat larger vessel. When choosing the substrate, attention should also be paid to good water storage. If in doubt, loam or clay can also be added.
Harvest caraway properly
If the cultivation of the biennial herb is successful, the coveted caraway seeds can be harvested in July of the second year of cultivation. Either only the inflorescences or the whole plants are cut off. In principle, it doesn't matter, because the plant dies in the same year anyway. In order to get to the spicy seeds, the harvest must first be dried. The seed can then be plucked out. In addition to the seeds, caraway leaves can also be used as a substitute for dill or parsley. Since the leaves lose their flavoring essential oils when they bloom, they should only be harvested before they bloom. You should also be a bit more cautious here, because the more the leaves are harvested, the more the plant is weakened and this is always at the expense of the caraway seed harvest. With the harvest of the seeds canthe taproot can also be harvested. This has a subtle taste of caraway and can be cooked as a vegetable.