Cumin is often confused with caraway. The herbaceous plants not only belong to different genera, but are used in different ways. Because the plants have their own ripening phases, the harvest takes place either in the first or second year.
When is the right time to harvest caraway seeds?
The best time to harvest caraway is when meadow caraway (Carum carvi) forms seeds between June and August or cumin (Cuminum cyminum) develops fruits in autumn. Leaves and flowers can be collected before flowering, while seeds can be harvested during drought.
Time
Meadow caraway (Carum carvi) is a biennial plant that develops leaves in the first year. In the following growing season, the herb blooms from May to July. Seed ripening begins when the flowers turn brown after around 40 days. It extends from June to August. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is an annual plant that flowers in the same year of cultivation and develops fruits in autumn.
Harvest
All parts of the caraway plant are edible, although leaves and seeds are usually used. The plant has he alth-promoting properties and is suitable for preparing dishes and teas. With cumin, the split fruits are used and processed into a fine spice powder.
Flowers of meadow caraway:
- are edible and taste mild
- are suitable for decorating dishes
- can be picked from June to July
leaves
Carum carvi provides a spicy herb that is used as a substitute for parsley or dill. This is ready to harvest as long as the plant is not yet flowering. When the first flowers open, the essential oils are lost and the aromatic taste is reduced. Pluck off individual leaves so that the herb still has enough foliage for photosynthesis.
Seeds
Caraway seeds and meadow caraway seeds develop fruit heads which can be dried in a warm place on the windowsill. Alternatively, you can bundle the stems and tie them together with string. These bundles can be hung upside down to air dry. Place a cloth on the floor or put a cloth bag over it after a week. This is how you catch seeds that fall prematurely.
The drying time depends on ventilation and humidity. If the plant parts are dry, you can rub the caraway seeds out of the capsules with the palm of your hand. After harvesting, further drying is necessary before you can grind the seeds into powder.
Tip
Meadow caraway develops a long taproot. You can harvest these and cook them as vegetables.
