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 maturation phases, the harvest takes place either in the first or in the second year.

Cumin is harvested in autumn

time

Meadow caraway (Carum carvi) is a biennial plant that develops leaves in the first year. In the following growing season, the herb flowers from May to July. Seed ripening begins when the flowers turn brown after around 40 days. It lasts from June to August. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is an annual plant that flowers the same year it is grown and develops fruit in the fall.

harvest

All parts of the caraway plant are edible, with leaves and seeds usually being used. The plant has health-promoting properties and is suitable for the preparation of dishes and teas. With cumin, the split fruits are used and processed into a fine spice powder.

Meadow caraway blossoms:

  • are edible and taste mild
  • are suitable for decorating dishes
  • can be picked from June to July

leaves

Carum carvi supplies spicy herbs that are used as a substitute for parsley or dill. This is ready for harvest as long as the plant has not yet bloomed. 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.

seed

Cumin seeds and meadow cumin develop fruit clusters, which can be dried in a warm place on the windowsill. Alternatively, you can bundle the stems together and tie them with string. These bundles can be hung upside down to air dry. Put a cloth on the floor or put a cloth bag over it after a week. This is how you catch prematurely falling seeds.

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.

tips

Meadow caraway develops a long taproot. You can harvest and cook them as vegetables.

Category:

Herbs