Kümmel

Kümmel is the common name for the seeds of the plant Carum carvi, a member of the Apiaceae family. The term also refers to a traditional liqueur flavored with caraway. The seeds have a warm, sweet-spicy aroma and are widely used as a spice in Central and Eastern European cuisines.

Carum carvi is a herbaceous, biennial plant native to Europe and western Asia. It typically grows to about 60–120 cm and features small white flowers arranged in umbrella-like clusters. After flowering, the plant forms small brown seeds that are harvested when mature and dried. The seeds are sold whole or ground.

Kümmel seeds are a staple in many dishes, especially in German, Austrian, Polish, and Baltic cooking. They flavor breads such as rye, dumplings, sausages, cabbage dishes like sauerkraut, stews, soups, and pickles. They are also used in some cheeses and desserts. In German-speaking regions, the liqueur Kümmel is a clear, caraway-flavored spirit often enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif.

Flavor and chemistry: The characteristic aroma comes mainly from essential oils, with carvone and limonene as significant constituents, complemented by smaller amounts of other terpenes. Beyond culinary use, caraway has a long history as a digestive aid and carminative, though modern use emphasizes flavor rather than medicinal claims.

Other notes: In markets, Kümmel may refer to either the seeds or the liqueur, depending on context. The seeds are available as whole dried fruits or ground for culinary use.