Caraway (Carum carvi) is a biennial herb in the Apiaceae family, related to cumin, fennel, and dill, native to Europe and western Asia.
Its small, crescent-shaped seeds are the part used in cooking, valued for an earthy, slightly sweet flavor with hints of licorice or anise. Caraway seeds are easily confused with cumin seeds, which look similar but taste warmer and smokier; caraway is the sharper, more anise-like of the two.
Caraway is a staple in Central and Eastern European cooking, especially rye breads, sauerkraut, and cheeses such as Havarti. It also appears in Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African spice blends, curries, and stews. The seeds are often lightly toasted or crushed before use to release their essential oils.