Cumin seeds fall under the sweet category of spices and are mellow to taste when cooked or eaten raw. All Right Reserved. Written by. Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is often called black onion seed or schwarzkümmel in German and is more closely related to the buttercup family of plants. Cumin is the dried seed of an herb plant ( Cuminum cyminum) that resembles parsley. 1.58x more ash per 100g? Such a great post with good information. Out of all the possible substitutes, aniseed hits the mark because of its similarity to caraway seeds in that both have licorice notes in their flavor profile. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( The Spruce Eats uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. … Bake until lightly golden in color, shaking the pan periodically for even cooking. It is impossible to think about Indian cuisine without cumin seeds. Germans call this seed kreuzkümmel. Cumin's distinctive flavor is strong and has a warm aroma due to its essential oil content. ... Caraway: 1 teaspoon whole ≈ … The taste of Caraway seeds is something akin to liquorice and it’s more nutty and earthy compared to cumin seeds. You can read about the different uses of cumin seeds in this post here.Â. Both seeds have pungent aromas. Other than the traditional stores you can also order them online. It has slight anise flavor and just like anise and fennel, is also a member of the carrot family. I was using caraway seeds instead of cumin seeds. The infographic below classifies the difference between cumin and caraway  and their uses in cooking in one glance. Caraway Seeds vs. Fennel Seeds vs. Cumin Seeds. Cumin and fennel seeds are being used overages for cooking and several other reasons. And how should I drink my Kümmel? Why is Celery Seeds better than Caraway Seeds? In Switzerland, non-German or French speakers fall prey to this as they assume caraway to be the German/French word for cumin. coriander (cilantro) seeds, caraway seeds, cumin, zira, fennel, dill, ajwain (ajowan caraway), aniseed. Cooking for me is something that should be simple, smart and stress-free. Jennifer McGavin. See more ideas about Caraway seeds, Health benefits, Health. In ancient texts and historical documents black cumin seed is noted for its therapeutic attributes and ability to support the body in its own natural healing processes. Germans use caraway seeds, that have a mild dill/parsley or anise taste, in many different foods, including scads of bread and roll varieties. What hit home was the Hindi (Indian) name of caraway seeds is called ‘Shahi Jeera or Shah jeera’. Caraway seeds can be brewed into a tea, cooled and stored for consumption at any time you need it. Caraway seeds are dark and light brown zebra type stripes on their skin and is smoother to touch. It looks like black sesame seeds and is often found on top of fladenbrot, a type of flatbread that's sold all over Germany in Turkish markets. However, they are similar in flavor to anise. Here we will discuss some substitutes of caraway seeds that you can use. Caraway seeds pair very well with cabbage so are used for making cabbage stir fries, sauerkraut, and cabbage soups. Caraway seeds is darker in colour when compared to cumin seeds. The seeds have a warm, earthy and slightly bitter taste. These tiny little seedy cousins are in effect far from being related yet easily confused by many. Introduction. Fennel is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the carrot family. Caraway is more common in the German kitchen than cumin and is typically used whole, not ground. What do caraway seeds taste like? The seed is about 1/5inch long and tapered at the ends. Black cumin comes from Bunium bulbocastanum, a plant species in the Apiaceae family, and is sometimes called blackseed or black caraway. Cumin. I’ve always shyed away from caraway seeds in fear of the unknown but now I feel confident enough to use them. This creates confusion in the mind of us homecooks who simply pick up a bottle or pack of caraway seeds thinking that it may be a different name for cumin. So glad you found this useful Tawnie. Can you sub them in? You typically use caraway seeds whole, but cumin seeds may be used whole or ground with the latter being the preferred form for Latin American cuisines. They also have subtle differences in appearance. They may look like siblings but are not even of the same lineage! Email address: So embark on the journey of Spicing It Upp!! Hi Charla!! Its flavor is not quite as sweet as that of fennel seed; instead, it has more in common with another important member of this spice family: cumin. Ground form is made by grinding dry-roasted cumin seeds. at PA once that was labeled as containing caraway, but I was quite sure it was cumin. It is so easy to confuse Caraway seeds and Cumin seeds based on their appearance but these two are not only different in their taste but also uses for cooking.Â. The taste of Caraway seeds is something akin to liquorice and it’s more nutty and earthy compared to cumin seeds. Cumin Seeds. When using whole cumin seed, toast the seeds in advance to get the best flavor possible. Caraway seeds are not suitable for most sweet dishes that require fennel seeds. As nouns the difference between rye and caraway is that rye is a grain used extensively in europe for making bread, beer, and (now generally) for animal fodder while caraway is a biennial plant, , native to europe and asia, mainly grown for its seed to be used as a culinary spice. Can Help Prevent Intestinal Worms. The caraway, on the other hand, is also sharply spicy, but with a hint of dried orange peel and anise. This is so helpful. While all three of these spices may look similar, they have very different flavor profiles. The colour is more even without the darker stripes. I share with you my experience of rustling up easy yet exotic family-friendly meals in minutes simply by adding a touch of spice. Caraway, also known as meridian fennel and Persian cumin (Carum carvi), is a biennial plant in the family Apiaceae, native to western Asia, Europe, and North Africa.. This relative of fennel and caraway is often seen in curries, Mexican dishes, and breads but also in some cheeses and as an herb in some digestive schnapps. Different types of cumin – The unrelated quadruplets. Sha zeera(caraway)mostly used in Shahi pakwan(princely dishes),such as Biryani & mostly in Pickles that gives a distinctive flavor & taste. CUMIN SEEDS VS GROUND ? Both plants exhibit reproductive ability: and both are of the parsley family; the flavor (taste) between the two is distinctly different. Thanks for your comment. Will write something up for sure! Go ahead and add more. The taste is unique. It is also used to cook curries, sauces, flavouring and even as a pickling spice. ( Basically many me’s). The origins of this liqueur's name lie in the generic names for the key spices with which it is flavoured. { It is used to flavor breads, alcohol, cake, cheese, soup, fruit, dips and of course cabbage. Cumin seeds are liberally used in several cuisines of many different food cultures since ancient times, in both whole and ground forms. Cumin seeds are obtained from a plant whose botanical name is Cuminum Cyminum whereas fennel comes from a plant whose botanical name is Foeniculum vulgare plant. One wrong buy of Caraway seeds mistaken to be cumin seeds clarified it all! * Caraway Seed has a pungent aroma and a distinctly sweet but tangy flavor ---- ---- * Cumin seed is the pale green seed of Cuminum cyminum, a small herb in the parsley family. Cumin is sometimes confused with caraway. However, the use of caraway seeds has overflowed to other cuisines as well. Cumin seeds and caraway seeds carum carvi look almost identical, but the latter are slightly curved, have a bitter taste and smell like mint or anise some studies link both seeds with anti-cancer properties by drercolaspecially in the culinary world, things can go by names that dont necessarily describe what they areose hips are a. Jennifer McGavin learned to cook German food while living in Germany for 11 years and has worked in the food industry for many years. There are very "perfumery friendly" plants among umbellifers, too. As nouns the difference between caraway and cumin is that caraway is a biennial plant, , native to europe and asia, mainly grown for its seed to be used as a culinary spice while cumin is the flowering plant , in the family apiaceae. They are very flexible and the uses of caraway seeds and cumin seeds are many fold!! As nouns the difference between caraway and cumin is that caraway is a biennial plant,, native to europe and asia, mainly grown for its seed to be used as a culinary spice while cumin is the flowering plant, in … The taste tends to be a bit sharp and to some extent slightly pungent. Johnny's Selected Seeds 955 Benton Ave. Winslow, Maine 04901 * 1-877-564-6697 OK – so what is the difference between cumin and caraway? Surprisingly, nearly a third of the world’s supply of Caraway seeds come from Finland where they are mostly grown. Caraway is a member of the umbelliferous, aromatic plants along with anise, cumin, dill, and fennel. It has an anise-like flavor and aroma that is popular in breads (especially rye breads), cheeses, sauerkraut, and root vegetables. The caraway seed’s flavor is best described as being earthy, nutty, and herbaceous with slightly minty notes to go with its licorice notes. } Yes, kala jeera is the same as caraway seeds. There are different types of spices that look like tiny seeds. Shahi Jeera as one of those mysterious spices used to make special dishes that add an earthy Royal touch of flavour like this Mughlai Chicken Rezala dish. sauerkraut, sausage, potatoes, cheeses, German Schnapps, pickled eggs, and many other dishes. Although caraway seed is not native to Germany, it has been widely adapted to German cuisine. Caraway seeds belong to a group of herbs and spices that are no longer widely used in modern cooking. It has feathery leaves and produces small pink and white flowers — as well as a crescent-shaped fruit, which is … What Is Caraway? It's essential for absorbing vitamin B12 and takes part in the production of red blood cells, various cells of the immune system and in the formation of … Fennel: 1 teaspoon fennel seeds = 1 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel. Cumin seed are available ground or whole. Caraway seeds are the seeds obtained from the caraway plant, which is also known by some other names like meridian fennel, Persian cumin, etc., and is a biennial plant of the Apiaceae family. Caraway, also known as meridian fennel, and the fruit (seeds) are often used whole and have a flavor that’s similar to anise.Caraway is often used as a spice in breads (especially rye), and is also found in sauerkraut. Caraway Seeds. Hi Alonna ! Cumin seeds (2,22€/100gr) Caraway seeds (6,26€/100gr) Nigella seeds (2,00€/100gr) Fennel seeds (2,00€/100gr) Category Entertainment; Show more Show less. It is primarily grown for seeds, but both the roots and leaves are edible. I was convinced that they were an exotic species of cumin seeds that came in different colours, just like the colour variants of Green and Black Cardamon. Although they look the same but belong to different families. This is easily done when you have  two  similar looking spices  and in this case its cumin seeds  and caraway seeds. However, the difference in size is not always guaranteed. Germans use caraway seeds, that have a mild dill/parsley or anise taste, in many different foods, including scads of bread and roll varieties. When should you use caraway seeds and when should you use fennel seeds? Because of its appearance cumin may be mistaken for the caraway seed, yet regardless of their comparable appearance the taste is altogether different. Cumin is usually brown in color whereas fennel seeds are greenish in color. The plant is harvested during the day and allowed to dry under the sun before their seeds are extracted manually or with a machine. The hard seed shells have five pale ridges. Caraway, fennel and cumin seeds all share similarities in terms of taste and aroma, but there are several distinct differences between these three common kitchen ingredients. Learn the difference between the two spices and how they are used in cooking. Shahi Jeera is called Shahi ( royal) for a reason. They also belong to the carrot family along with cumin. The taste tends to be a bit sharp and to some extent slightly pungent. Both seeds have pungent aromas. Another commonly confused spice is carom seeds. Although not the best substitute for each other, it will not kill your dish if you do happen to replace one with the other. It does not have the curves like caraway seeds and are more linear in shape. 6. Cumin Versus Black Cumin Whats The Difference. Cumin seeds are the dried seeds of the herb plant known as Cuminum Cyminum. But what if you are out of caraway seeds and your recipe calls for it. I wouldn’t be good if one mixed them up in a recipe! The difference between the two is that cumin seeds are straighter. Caraway seeds are also more bitter than cumin. Since they look very similar to each other, pay attention to the package and the colour of the seeds when buying. Let me know if there are any other spices you get mixed with. The caraway plant’s seeds are somewhat similar to the cumin seeds that appear as dark brown, crescent-shaped with some stripes running on the surface of them. Like these spices, caraway is naturally sweet with a licorice flavor. Thanks for your comment. Naturally cumin has a stronger taste. That suggested ½ teaspoon of whole cumin seed might be too tame for you anyway. Cumin. event : evt, Caraway seed (carvi in French) is seen more in eastern European cooking, and is the spice added to kimmel (rye) bread. While caraway seeds have a strong aromatic flavour, the flavour of cumin seeds is milder. Thank you for explaining this difference. Cumin Seeds vs. Fennel vs. Caraway Seeds vs. Coriander Seeds. Caraway seeds are native to Western Asia, Europe, and North America … Cumin: 1 teaspoon cumin seeds = 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin. so interesting, thank you for sharing this info!! Also found this: difference between fennel seeds & aniseed.Â, Uses of Caraway seeds and Cumin seeds in cookingÂ, Difference Between Caraway Seeds VS Cumin Seeds, just like the colour variants of Green and Black Cardamon,  one of the most essential Indian spices, Tequila Blog: What You Need To Know About Mexican Alcohol, Why Are Spices and Herbs with Vitamin C So Important. Cumin is an herb that’s a member of the parsley family. Fennel seeds have a flavor dominated by anise/licorice, where caraway is quite different, being dominated by other flavors. Caraway, also known as Persian cumin, meridian fennel or its scientific name, Carum carvi, is a plant that is closely related to carrots, parsley, celery, coriander and cumin. Kummel is a herbal liqueur flavoured with caraway seeds, cumin, fennel, orris and other herbs. Cumin has an earthy, nutty, somewhat smoky flavor, and there is also a slight bitterness to it. Similar Looks, Different Flavors. Cumin seeds are obtained from a plant whose botanical name is Cuminum Cyminum whereas fennel comes from a plant whose botanical name is Foeniculum vulgare plant. Caraway and cumin are two different seeds, but they do almost look the same. Have you ever got confused between caraway and cumin seeds and bought or used one for the other? Cumin seeds are obtained from the herb Cuminum cyminum, native from East Mediterranean to South Asia belonging to the family Apiaceae—a member of the parsley family.Cumin seeds are oblong and yellow–grey. Name: Overview Information Caraway is a plant. The other spice that is unknowingly used by many is the difference between fennel seeds & aniseed.Â. Also found this: Here is a list of few online store options for you: Gewuerzland Cumin seeds 60 gm packed fresh ready to deliver, Gewuerzland  Caraway Seeds 80 gm packed fresh ready to deliver. The caraway, on the other hand, is also sharply spicy, but with a hint of dried orange peel and anise. Cumin vs caraway By some reason I mixed them up. Cumin seeds are also increasingly popular in Latin American, African and Middle Eastern cuisines. I never realized how similar they are in appearance. 26.07.2019 - Caraway seeds taste different to cumin seeds although look very similar. Spice with abandon. Lotions, perfumes, and soaps often use caraway as a fragrance, the essential oil of which is derived from the seeds. You can buy caraway seeds online from Food to live. The smell of cumin is strong and spicy-sweet with a hint of acridity. Are Caraway and Cumin Seeds different in appearance? Cumin is the dried seed of an herb plant (Cuminum cyminum) that resembles parsley. Cumin works best with other intense spices. The shape of a caraway seed also tends to be slightly curved and bendy. The closest substitute for cumin seeds is to use cumin powder or coriander powder. ); Nutmeg: 1/2 nutmeg = 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Uses of Kümmel in German Cooking . It is most often used in very flavorful savory dishes. The fruit (seeds) of many umbellifers (officially their fruit is called a bifid seed) are used as a seasoning, e.g. Personally I prefer the whole seed as I would with most other seed … } The aroma of caraway seeds can be described as slightly minty or peppery. Best Caraway Seed Substitutes Here are five good substitutes for caraway seeds: Aniseeds. Can Relieve Coughing. The black seed of nigella sativa (black cumin seed) has been used for over three thousand years for preventing and treating many different diseases. ---- * Caraway Seed is the fruit of a biennial herb in the parsley family, known as Carum carvi. What a wonderfully informative post! Although you may find Cumin seeds to be the more popular of the two when it comes to shelf stocking. The reason I picked up the wrong kind of seeds is not only because of the similarity of their German names but also their similar looks. It is crescent-shaped, dark brown, and in the same family as cumin and caraway. Both black cumin seeds have medicinal properties attributed to them, and most of the spices in the dill/fennel/caraway family are seen as digestive aids in folklore. Caraway seeds are known as ‘Kümmel’ while Cumin seeds is called ‘Kreuzkümmel.’. Passing this along to a few friends. This too is misinformed as the actual black cumin is Nigella seeds. I went to check in Joy of Cooking, and there it states they can be interchanged. While caraway seeds have a strong aromatic flavour, the flavour of cumin seeds is milder. Here we will discuss some substitutes of caraway seeds that you can use. So the source of origin of the body double spices is the first indication that they are indeed not related and born to different families. While Caraway seeds are the dried seeds of Carum carvi plant.  (Don’t think I will ever refer them like that, but mentioning the scientific name makes me sound so knowledgeable 😉 ! sauerkraut, sausage, potatoes, cheeses, German Schnapps, pickled eggs, and many other dishes. A b s t r a c t. Physical properties of cumin and caraway seeds were measured and compared at constant moisture content of 7.5% w.b. Both Cumin seed and Caraway seed appear to be visual twins with a slight difference in their colour or shape. The “seed” is actually the fruit! Caraway, however, is a distinct plant. Caraway seeds are grown throughout Europe and Asia and have similar properties to other spices and herbs such as anise, fennel and valerian. Although caraway seed is not native to Germany, it has been widely adapted to German cuisine. You have a recipe that calls for caraway seeds, but you only have a jar of fennel seeds on your pantry shelf. The caraway seed is darker in shading, smoother and a touch bended. When it comes to buying and using caraway seeds and cumin seeds it’s important to remember that both have different flavour and taste. Thank you for differentiating between caraway and cumin seeds. The smell of cumin is strong and spicy-sweet with a hint of acridity. This is just for your information, for what it might be worth. Have you bought a spice by looking at the shape and colour and not read the label, only to realise later that it is the wrong type of spice !? And to make matters more confusing, the German names of the two spices are also very similar. To toast the seeds, preheat an oven to approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Cumin vs. Fennel. They can be smaller in size to cumin seeds as well. Cumin vs. Fennel. })(); Uses of Kümmel in German Cooking . It depends. Why is Caraway Seeds better than Cumin Seeds? The taste was fine, but not as strong. Cumin seeds can be used both in powder and whole seed form for making meats, rice and many vegetarian dishes both Indian and international. Using cumin seeds to replace caraway seeds is also a common practice, but do keep in mind that the flavours of the two are different and will give the dish a different taste, which is not that unappetising! callback: cb Overview Information Caraway is a plant. It depends. Caraway seeds help to relieve the spasms associated with these conditions, and can even help treat menstrual cramps. In my early culinary venture into the kitchen, I too was unsure of them these twins. I bought something labeled kala jeera. Then you will need substitute to this seed. Some confusingly refer to caraway seeds as black cumin due to the darker colour. The average thousand mass of grain, mean length, mean width, mean thickness, equivalent diameter, geometric mean I was using caraway seeds instead of cumin seeds. 🙂. Caraway seeds have two ways of reducing coughing, thanks to its expectorant and antitussive properties. I am Sunrita, welcome to my tiny world of spice. Many people associate intestinal parasites with uncleanliness, … Few that resemble each other in appearance are: Cumin seeds, caraway seeds , black cumin (also known as Nigella seeds) and fennel seeds. The use of Cumin seeds in cooking can be traced back to the Mediterranean and Iranian regions. To my knowledge, cumin (in french, cumin also) is used often in Mexican and Indian cooking, also Szechuan, I believe. Cumin’s name derives originally from the Greek, κύμινον (kyminon). Caraway seeds pair very well with cabbage so are used for making cabbage stir fries, sauerkraut, and cabbage soups. This is great info! In German, caraway seed is called Kümmel while cumin is Kreuzkümmel. Where to buy Caraway and Cumin Seeds from? 12.1µg vs 5.2µg I haven’t used caraway before but I do use cumin a lot, thanks for all the information it is helpful and I learned and new thing today. Fennel and caraway are relatives, but not the same plant. Cumin is sometimes confused with caraway. Then you will need substitute to this seed. The seeds are used both whole and ground in the cuisines of many cultures. Your email address will not be published. } forms: { Another black cumin, Bunium persicum, is used in Middle Eastern and Indian dishes. The plant is similar in appearance to other members of the carrot family, with finely divided, feathery leaves with thread-like divisions, growing on 20–30 cm (7.9–11.8 in) stems. Even though the two look similar, their flavour is different. Where do Caraway Seeds and Cumin Seeds come from? Updated 07/18/19. Cumin seeds are light brown in colour and have relatively a rougher surface. Thanks for your comment. Leave this field empty if you're human: Hi! Spices such as star anise, fennel seeds and anise belong to the liquorice family and have similar taste and flavour and can be easily substituted with the other. Cumin seeds are a great source of fiber, iron, manganese and calcium. Can you sub them in? Linda Lewis / Getty Images. If however the recipe calls for caraway seeds and you do not have any then the best caraway seed substitute is using fennel seeds, anise or even star anise. The plant grows nearly three feet and has wispy foliage, small pale flowers, and fruit pods filled with seeds. Caraway seeds from the plant Carum carvi are known as kümmel in German. Caraway Seeds vs Fennel Seeds vs Cumin. Cumin is hotter to the taste, lighter in color, and the seeds are larger than those of caraway. They are crescent-shaped, long, and have five pale ridges. As nouns the difference between rye and caraway is that rye is a grain used extensively in europe for making bread, beer, and (now generally) for animal fodder while caraway is a biennial plant, , native to europe and asia, mainly grown for its seed to be used as a culinary spice. Naturally cumin has a stronger taste. People use the oil, fruit, and seeds as medicine. Further research indicated that the plant sources of the two spices are also different. But what if you are out of caraway seeds and your recipe calls for it. But fear not, you do not need to throw away or neglect any of them when it comes to using the spices. Why is Caraway Seeds better than Cumin Seeds? I always buy cumin ground so I never knew that the seeds looked so similar to caraway. Dill seeds are exactly that: the seeds of a dill plant, which appear when dill is left to flower and then those flowers die back and go to seed. I bought a cheese (Gouda?) Because of their nuttiness and earthiness, caraway seeds are better suited for savory applications like rye bread and pork preparations such as sausages. The plant grows nearly three feet and has wispy foliage, small pale flowers, and fruit pods filled with seeds. Cumin is available both as whole seeds as well as in the ground form. } It tasted absolutely different and surely was not the right fit for most Indian dishes I wanted to make. Cumin vs caraway By some reason I mixed them up. Caraway (Carum carvi) is a hardy, biennial herb native to Europe and Western Asia. How does Caraway seeds taste different to Cumin seeds? It is one of the main ingredients used for making Rye and Soda Bread.Â. Archeological studies report that black cumin seed seeds have been found in several sites from ancient Egypt, including i… The seeds … Thanks so much! Like with coriander, roasting cumin seeds and then grinding the seeds can heighten their flavor and aroma. Uses of Caraway seeds and Cumin seeds in cooking. Caraway seeds are also distinct, though only upon close inspection. You have a recipe that calls for caraway seeds, but you only have a jar of fennel seeds on your pantry shelf. But I am quite familiar with aniseed, so I’m confident I will love dishes with caraway too. Here you will find pots of sizzling recipes, spoonful of tangy tips with a pinch of spicy humour. For cooking tips on possible spice substitute for some of the popular Indian spices, you can read my post on spice substitute guide here. Glad you found the post useful. Fennel seeds are a bit smoother and less pungent than caraway. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Caraway seeds are long and thin and taste heavily of anise, with a strong bite of pepper. In Indonesia, we use a lot of cumin in our dishes, but I can’t even think of one dish using caraway seeds. How Are Cumin and Caraway Different? 9.27g vs 5.87g Jan 17, 2017 - Explore Appreciate Goods Inc's board "Caraway Seeds", followed by 229 people on Pinterest. What is fennel?