Spices, which are sold in the form of seeds, often seem similar. In the article we will answer this question: caraway and coriander are the same or not, and find out how plants differ and how to apply them.

Description and characteristics of plants

The common feature of these plants is that both belong to the Umbrella family, have the same structure and grow under similar conditions - in the temperate climate of Europe and Asia. Both of them are excellent honey plants with a spicy aroma. Plant seeds are used for food.

And the difference is the purpose of the spices. So, coriander seeds are added as a seasoning to sauces and meat dishes. And caraway seeds are used to decorate dishes, especially dishes with curry, fried garlic, onions. In addition, coriander uses greens called cilantro for food. Leaves are cut and added before serving. They change the taste characteristics of the soup or, for example, the sauce, adding spice to them. Masala is another option for using coriander (tea from herbs and spices).

Important! Any spices are harmful in large quantities. But some can become just poisonous, like saffron, whose lethal dose is 10 g.

Coriander

Coriander (lat. Coriandrum sativum) is also called Chinese parsley or vegetable coriander. Grown for the sake of greens and seeds. Coriander greens (cilantro), many people characterize as aromatic, with a lemon flavor. The plant is an annual and is sown by seeds in early spring or before winter.

Dried fruits are used as a spice. They are used separately: as an ingredient in masala, vegetable marinades for winter preparations, seasonings for liquid dishes. The widely used essential oil is also obtained from seeds. It is used in the manufacture of flavored soaps, tobacco and various cosmetic products.

Coriander has a number of medicinal properties. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria and fungi, to eliminate gastrointestinal tract problems - diarrhea, cramping, bloating, nausea and other pathologies.

Raw coriander leaves contain:

• water: 92%;
• carbohydrates: 4%;
• protein: 2%;
• fat: 1%.

The nutritional profile of seeds differs from the nutritional profile of leaves. The plant is rich in vitamins A, C and K. The seeds of vitamins contain significantly less, but there are many minerals - calcium, selenium, iron, magnesium and manganese.

Did you know? Some people do not like coriander, believing that it smells like soap, and tastes like bugs. This reaction is associated with the presence of a specific set of genes in these people.

Caraway

Caraway (lat. Cárum) is a perennial of the Umbrella family. Grown to obtain seeds, which can be either an independent spice, or raw materials for oil. Seeds are used in making bread, some types of cheese. Cumin can be an ingredient in chili powder. It gives food a warming character and aroma.

In folk medicine, it is believed that it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, so its seeds are used to treat abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence and poliomyelitis, as well as various inflammatory processes.

The composition of caraway seeds contains:

• carbohydrates: 31.94%;
• fats: 38.20%;
• proteins: 20.85%;
• moisture: 4.64%;
• ash: 4.37%;
• crude fiber: 7.94%.

Of the minerals, phosphorus, potassium, iron and sodium in large quantities, as well as zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese and copper in a much smaller amount, were detected.

Did you know? The Maltese island of Comino is named after cumin, which grows there in the wild.

What is the difference between coriander and caraway seeds

Coriander and caraway seeds are characterized by the following structure:

• core root with small branches;
• straight long stems up to 0.6 m high;
• dissected leaf plates;
• flower stalks in the form of umbrellas;
• caryopsis formed after flowering.

Flowering begins in June, and seed collection - in August - September. But they also have a number of differences.

Appearance

Caraway seeds:

• height - 30-50 cm;
• on each stalk 2-3 branches;
• the length of the sheet plate is 5–10 cm.

• height - 40–70 cm;
• broad-leaved leaves, very similar to parsley;
• the taste of foliage is citrus;
• the length of the sheet plate is 5-6 cm.

The coriander plant in appearance resembles parsley or dill. But caraway leaves are elongated, less branched.

Important! Coriander leaves quickly deteriorate when removed from the plant and lose their aroma when dried or frozen.

Flowers

Coriander flowers are small, pink and white with several long petals. Collected in inflorescences. White caraway flowers are collected in small groups on one peduncle. Several pedicels form an umbrella.

Seeds

In coriander, they are roundly elongated, beige and yellow. Diameter - 1.5–3 mm. Caraway seeds have elongated, ribbed, chocolate-colored, 4–5 mm long. Each seed has 8 ribs.

Origin

Starting to use coriander for food is difficult to determine. Several seeds were found during excavations in a pre-pottery Neolithic settlement in the Nahal Khemar Cave in Israel. It is considered the oldest spice find in the world.

Presumably, the plant has already been used as food in the Mediterranean region. Then, together with the Roman legions, it spread throughout Europe. In the Middle Ages, during the era of the Great geographical discoveries, coriander was brought to other continents.

Caraway has a slightly different development path. The plant that Europeans use as food comes from the Middle East and India. Seeds excavated in the Syrian site of Tell ed Der, were dated to the second millennium BC. And America has its own varieties of wild cumin.

Did you know? Breeders obtained 2 different types of coriander varieties: those that are grown on herbs, and those from which they are going to get seeds. Consider this if you decide to grow this spice at home.

Growing conditions

Both plants are winter hardy. Seedlings tolerate frosts down to –5 ° C, so these spices can be grown from early spring to autumn. Cut leaves into food should be as they grow. Seeds are collected with umbrellas when 50% of the umbrellas become dry. They can be folded into a paper bag. When the seeds ripen, then gently pour to the bottom of the package.

Taste differences

The way coriander is prepared greatly affects its final taste and combination with other flavors. In general, it has a floral aroma with notes of citrus, light and sweet. In the process of frying, there are nutty notes. Lightly toasted seeds have a lighter flavor than those that have been processed for longer.

Caraway seeds have a slightly spicy and bitter-sweet taste. Iranian, Indian or Middle Eastern varieties differ in oil content and therefore are characterized by different shades of taste. In general, caraway seeds make the taste of the dish more sweet.

Useful properties and methods of application

• Common properties for these spices:
• contain essential oils rich in antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-infective and detoxifying components;
• can be used to solve digestive problems, including indigestion, loss of appetite, hernia, nausea, diarrhea, intestinal cramps and intestinal gas;
• considered completely safe as a component of food, as well as as a medicine;
• do not have side effects with frequent use.

Did you know? Cumin extract reduces the signs of drug addiction in mice. It is not yet known whether the same effect will be achieved in humans.

Coriander

• Useful properties of coriander:
• reduces blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension, due to the fact that they interact with calcium ions, relaxing blood vessels;
• high iron helps in curing anemia;
• prevents osteoporosis, protects bone strength due to calcium, which is contained in large quantities in the plant;
• speeds up the healing process and freshens the breath;
• increases insulin secretion, thereby increasing its level in the blood, which is good for people with type 2 diabetes - this reduces the risk of sudden changes in blood sugar levels;
• reduces the risk of gastrointestinal upsets;
• enhances lactation.

• Possible restrictions on the use of spices:
• The presence of allergies to umbrella plants - dill, fennel, anise, caraway seeds, wormwood.
• Hypersensitivity to sunlight, as the plant can enhance it, which will cause burns.
• If coriander essential oil gets on your skin, it can cause irritation and inflammation.
• If you have diabetes, you need to monitor your blood sugar using coriander.
• Individuals with low blood pressure are advised to limit their intake, as the components of the plant cause it to decrease.
• If you have surgery, tell the doctor that you have taken an extract, oil or coriander seeds - this can affect the pressure during surgery.

Did you know? The properties of essential oils were discovered by accident: the French chemist Gatefoss received a burn while working in the laboratory. To reduce the pain, he put his hand in the nearest oil - the wound healed so quickly that the scientist was seriously interested in studying the properties of oils.

Caraway

Some useful properties of cumin are that it promotes digestion and reduces the number of infectious bowel diseases. It also contributes to weight loss and improving the condition of diabetics.

• Among the beneficial properties of the plant are noted:
• improves digestion;
• activates the digestive enzymes;
• increases the secretion of bile from the liver, accelerating the digestion process;
• is a good source of iron;
• possesses antioxidant properties and can remove free radicals from the body;
• Helps control blood sugar
• may contribute to weight loss;
• It has antimicrobial properties that can reduce the risk of foodborne infections.

• Possible restrictions on the use of caraway seeds and products with it:
• Diabetics should control their blood sugar, as this spice can lower it.
• It slows down blood coagulation, so if you have surgery, tell the doctor that you have taken products or drugs with caraway seeds.

The proper use of spices such as coriander and caraway seeds complements the taste and healthy properties of your dishes. But do not forget that all spices should be stored for no more than 6 months from the date of opening of the package, because they lose their value, and essential oils disappear very quickly.