Caraway seeds have a somewhat nutty and bittersweet sharpness, with a touch of citrus and pepper, creating a unique combination of flavors. Caraway seeds are high in natural essential oils, which also contributes to the unique flavor profile.
Fennel seeds are the closest alternative to caraway seeds and make an excellent substitution because they’re both relatives of the carrot family, although they aren’t the same plant. Even though these two spices don’t have quite the same flavor, they have a similar essence, and light licorice notes.
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Caraway Seed Alternatives
Although the flavor of caraway is so unique, there are plenty of substitutes you can use to recreate the bold uniqueness. The best substitute for caraway seed are fennel seeds, however there are many others you can use as well, as seen here.
Common Caraway Seeds Recipes and Substitution Questions
What Do Caraway Seeds Taste Like?
Caraway seeds have a bittersweet, almost nutty flavor with a touch of citrus and pepper along with a mild licorice, or anise, flavor.
Caraway Seeds Substitute in Bread
The best substitute for caraway seeds in rye bread are dill and anise seeds. These options have the same licorice-like taste, but won’t overpower the bread flavor with strong or bitter aromas. Try our Caraway Cheese Bread, Swedish Rye Bread or this Classic Irish Soda Bread with any of these substitutions.
Caraway Seeds Substitute in Sauerkraut
In sauerkraut, the best substitute for caraway is fennel seeds, however dill or anise will also work, but are more pungent than fennel, so should be used more sparingly. Check out our Choucroute recipe, which is ribs with sauerkraut, to try out a caraway substitute.
Ground Caraway Substitutes
For ground caraway substitutions, you can use any of the substitutions listed above, but instead of using the full seed, use the ground version. For example, you’d want to use ground fennel seeds or ground anise.
FAQs
Yes, you are good to go with cumin as a substitute for caraway seeds. While they have different flavors, you can add cumin when needed. With a warm feel, a peppery scent, and an interesting blend of earthy, nutty, and citrusy, cumin can stand in for caraway seeds, especially in stews, curries, sauces.
Can I use cumin seeds instead of caraway seeds? ›
Yes, you are good to go with cumin as a substitute for caraway seeds. While they have different flavors, you can add cumin when needed. With a warm feel, a peppery scent, and an interesting blend of earthy, nutty, and citrusy, cumin can stand in for caraway seeds, especially in stews, curries, sauces.
What does caraway taste like? ›
Caraway has a very pungent aroma and taste. The flavor of anise or licorice is the dominant one, with hints of citrus and pepper contributing brightness and warmth. There is also a bittersweet quality that somewhat mitigates the licorice note, and keeps it from overpowering all of the other flavors.
What is the alternative name for caraway seeds? ›
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. L.
Is caraway the same as cumin? ›
Caraway and cumin seeds look very similar, though cumin seeds are lighter in color and less curved. However, by taste, the two spices differ considerably: cumin has a warm, earthy, slightly pungent flavor, whereas caraway's licorice and citrus notes are quite distinctive.
What can you use in place of caraway seed? ›
The best substitute for caraway seed are fennel seeds, however there are many others you can use as well, as seen here.
- Fennel seeds.
- Cumin seeds.
- Dill seeds.
- Anise seeds.
- Nigella seeds.
Ground. Although the whole seed is frequently used, sometimes you'll want to impart caraway's distinctive flavor without the crunch of the whole seed. In this case, ground caraway can be used.
What's so special about caraway? ›
Traditional non-stick kitchenware (over 95%!) is made with chemicals that can leach into your food and home. At Caraway, we make 100% Non-Toxic cookware and bakeware, free of harmful chemicals like lead, cadmium, PTFE (aka Teflon®), and PFOA. Now that's something to celebrate.
What herb is similar to caraway? ›
Fennel Seeds: have a subtle licorice flavor similar to caraway seeds. Fennel seeds originated in the Mediterranean and are often used in Spanish, Italian, and Middle Eastern recipes. Cumin Seeds: With their warm and earthy taste, cumin seeds make an excellent substitute for caraway seeds.
What is the difference between caraway and fennel seeds? ›
Fennel Seeds: These seeds contribute a subtle sweetness with a mild licorice undertone. They are refreshing and complement lighter dishes. Caraway Seeds: Caraway seeds provide a robust and slightly bitter flavor with peppery notes. They work wonders in hearty and savory dishes.
Caraway, anise, and fennel seeds are three straightforward substitutes for dill seed, and they are all related. Caraway seeds are pungent and bold, with notes of camphor and just a spark of licorice. Both anise and fennel seeds are valued for their licorice-like qualities, which is a secondary flavor in dill seed.
Are caraway and rye seeds the same? ›
A lot of consumers think that caraway is rye, but it's not; rye is a grain, caraway is a spice. And what we all call caraway “seed” is actually the fruit of the caraway plant.
What are the benefits of caraway seeds? ›
Caraway is full of antioxidants and phenolic compounds, it contains low levels of fat and is beneficial for various ailments. Caraway seeds may have anti-inflammatory properties, may help lose weight and regulate blood sugar levels.
Do caraway seeds help with gas? ›
Caraway is recommended by Persian traditional scholars to relieve the flatulence. It acts by improvement of digestive systems and deletion of accumulated gas from gastrointestinal tract, humors from stomach, which also relives the abdominal pain.
Can I use coriander instead of caraway seeds? ›
While cumin, caraway, and coriander each have distinct flavors, they can be used as substitutes for one another in a pinch. Keep in mind that the final flavor profile of your dish may vary.
Does coriander taste like caraway? ›
Caraway. Perhaps the closest in taste to coriander, caraway is an herb that can be exchanged for coriander without drastically changing the flavor profile of your dish. Like coriander, caraway belongs to the Apiaceae plant family, which includes parsley, celery and fennel.
How much cumin to use instead of seeds? ›
For the cumin you would usually allow ½ to ¾ teaspoon of ground spice per teaspoon of whole seeds.
Is cumin powder just ground cumin seeds? ›
Cumin, comino, cumin seeds, jeera, cumino, kamoun…they all mean the same thing and refer to the whole, dried seeds. Ground cumin seeds are simply the same seeds that have been powdered. Both have their own advantages and uses but whole cumin seeds have a more pronounced flavor.
Is it better to use cumin seeds or powder? ›
In many Indian dishes, for example, whole seed cumin is popular because it is fried in oil with other whole spices first, which infuses the oil and therefore the rest of the dish. Ground cumin, however, is easier to stir into chili or turn into a rub for meat because its flavor disperses instantly.
Can I use ground cumin instead of seeds? ›
Use slightly less powder (around ¾ teaspoon of ground cumin for 1 teaspoon whole seeds) in place of the seeds. Though it won't get the texture, you'll still get the flavor. Note: When a recipe calls for frying cumin seeds in hot oil (i.e. tarka, or to begin a curry), add the cumin powder later in the recipe.
