Dried caraway seeds add a sweet, subtle, licorice-like flavor to baked goods, hot dishes, soups, soft cheese, and a variety of other culinary treats. Dried caraway seeds may even aid digestion and soothe upset tummies. If you’re wondering how to preserve caraways seeds from the plants grown in your garden, drying caraway is the easiest and safest way to go. Want to learn how to dry caraway seeds? Read on for easy instructions.
How to Dry Caraway Seeds
Harvest ripe caraway plants when the seed pods have dried and changed color but haven’t yet shattered. Divide the plants into small bunches. (You can also uproot entire plants).
Put each bunch (or plant) in a paper sack with the top of the bag gathered and tied around the stems. Poke a few small holes in the sack to provide air circulation.
Hang each bunch upside-down in a dry room where temperatures are consistently between 70 and 80 degrees F. (21-27 C.). The pods will dry in two to four weeks. Give the sack a good shake to release the seeds from the pods. The sack will catch the seeds as they fall from the pods.
Another method of drying caraway seeds is to spread the seed pods on a screen or net-covered tray. Set the pods aside to dry. You can also dry them in a food dehydrator on the lowest temperature. When the pods are completely dry, rub them in your hands to separate the seeds.
Storing Caraway Seeds: Saving Dried Caraway Seeds
Be sure the caraway seeds are completely dry, otherwise, they may mold. To be sure, put the seeds in a jar and leave them for about a week. Check the seeds daily. If you notice any signs of moisture, remove the seeds and let them dry for a few more days.
Store dried caraway seeds in a dry, cool place, preferably in a dark-colored glass jar or tin container. Avoid paper or cardboard containers, which absorb the flavorful oils and leave you with bland, tasteless seeds.
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