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
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 can be used in place of caraway seeds? ›
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 comparable to caraway? ›
Star anise. And finally, you have star anise. This spice is known for its particularly strong flavor, so if you have star anise pods on hand, you might find the licorice notes overpowering the other notes in your dish. Used carefully and in tentative quantities, it makes for a good substitute for caraway in a pinch!
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.
Does cumin taste like caraway seeds? ›
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.
Are caraway and dill seed the same? ›
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.
What's so special about caraway? ›
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What is caraway good for in cooking? ›
Caraway seeds are widely used in Central and Eastern Europe to flavour rye breads, biscuits, cakes, stews, meat dishes, cheeses, sauerkraut and pickles; they are also often combined with potatoes and apples.
Does caraway taste like cilantro? ›
Caraway is mistakenly referred to as a seed; however, it's actually the brown, dried fruit of the caraway plant, which is scientifically known as Carum carvi L. And, although it may look like cumin seeds, its subtle hints of lemon and pepper make it a good alternative to cilantro.
Caraway seeds are usually found in the spices section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.
Which is better caraway or fennel seeds? ›
Fennel Seeds: Ideal for sweet treats like cookies and pastries, imparting a subtle sweetness. Caraway Seeds: Best suited for savory baked goods like rye bread and savory muffins, adding depth to the flavor.
Is caraway seed like celery seed? ›
Caraway Seeds: Another celery seed substitute is caraway seeds, a relative of the carrot family. Caraway seeds bring bittersweet flavor to recipes like rye bread, pork & stews. Dill Seeds: Dill Seeds help bring some zest to various dishes, including savory pork, seafood recipes, and mayonnaise-based salads.
Is caraway seed same as celery seed? ›
Caraway Seeds: Another celery seed substitute is caraway seeds, a relative of the carrot family.
Is caraway seeds and black cumin the same? ›
Elwendia persica, black cumin is considered similar to caraway, but they are two distinctly different plants. The seeds differ dramatically in shape, color and size. Caraway seeds appear brown in color, while Black Cumin is mostly black with a slight curve shape.
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.
