Carvi O Cumino dei Prati

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

Order

Apiales

Genus

Carum

Species

carvi

Description

An annual or biennial herbaceous plant, cultivated mainly for its seeds, which are used both in culinary applications, to give a unique aromatic accent to different dishes, and in phytotherapeutic and cosmetic applications. Rustic, it requires a temperate climate and sunny exposures in well-drained soil.

Varietal description

Cumin, carum carvi, is a vegetable whose seeds are used to flavour food and spirits. It is one of the most popular aromatic plants. Varieties can be annual or biennial. The biennial types, sown in autumn, are the most common. Flowering occurs, however, in early summer while ripening takes place in midsummer. The 60-80 cm high plant is an umbelliferous. Its origin is Eurasian. In addition to its use as a flavouring, caraway is used in aperitif, digestive, carminative, antiseptic and antispasmodic solutions.

curiosity and special features

Caraway seeds, whole or powdered, are used in gastronomy as a spice to flavour typical Mediterranean dishes as well as baked goods and liqueurs.

A source of beta-carotene and essential oils, they are indicated for their carminative, anti-flatulent, antibacterial and antifungal effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

Origin and Diffusion

A species native to Middle East Asia; already known to the ancient Egyptians, it was introduced to Europe in the late 1800s and became popular in the culinary and phytotherapeutic sectors.

Flower size

The flower individually is small, clustered in the inflorescence.

Leaf

The leaf has a pinnate lamina.

Fruit/product

The fruit has an elongated shape and is classified as an achene, characterised by a solid consistency. It is small in size, with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 cm, length of 0.7 to 0.92 cm and width of 0.2 to 0.3 cm, weighing g. The colouring is two-tone. Ripening takes place in early to mid-summer. The skin is not edible. From a sensory point of view, the fruit is fragrant with an intense aroma and a characteristic spicy and pungent flavour, accompanied by a strong taste. The quality aspect is good overall, being a variety with excellent organoleptic characteristics and multiple culinary uses.

Flowering period

It flowers from late spring to early summer for a duration of 30 to 60 days.

Inflorescence

Compound umbrella inflorescence, typical of many species belonging to the botanical family Umbelliferae.

Leaf color

Homogeneous colour tone.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 0.6 m.

Lifespan

Biennial variety.

Suggested planting locations

Suitable for growing in flower beds, large pots, open field, outdoor tubs

Stem/stem

The stem is herbaceous and the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a gamopetalous corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized compound umbel inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to early summer, with a flowering period of between 30 and 60 days. It exudes an unmistakable fragrance. It is attractive to bees, beetles, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

Compact growing variety.

Plant habit

The developed habit is erect.

branching

Variety with medium branching.

pH

The ideal pH of the soil or substrate ranges from neutral to sub-alkaline, with optimum values between 7.0 and 8.0.

soil preparation

Before transplanting in mid-spring, dig up the soil about 20/30 cm deep, removing any weeds, bulky stones and residues of previous crops, then bury organic or chemical fertiliser and, by hoeing, break up the most compact and coarse clods. In order to obtain correct drainage of excess water, thus avoiding harmful water stagnation, continue with a slight ballasting by creating a raised flowerbed, then carefully level the surface by preparing the postarelle according to a suitable planting density.

During the cultivation cycle remove the first centimetres of soil with a weeder or hoe to promptly remove possible weeds adjacent to the crop.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

sun exposure

Expose the plant in full sun, sheltered from strong wind.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 20 °C for best vegetative development. The biological temperature is between 7 and 25 °C.

Use

With its wide versatility of use, it is appreciated in the following areas of use:

Agribusiness Aromatics Cosmetic Medicinal / phytotherapeutic field

Hardiness

Highly rustic variety.

Soil/medium

It adapts to different soil types, however, the optimal soil condition is medium-textured, well-draining, fresh soil with organic matter. For cultivation in pots or tubs, a horticultural substrate containing blond and brown peat is recommended.

Maintenance

It is a plant with low cultivation requirements and fairly easy to grow.

cultivation tips

Some cultivation tricks for optimal growth and a better final yield

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering Put outside when there is no longer a risk of frost

Intercropping/combination

Suitable in combination with dill.

planting

An average density of 17 plants per square metre is recommended in order to ensure proper development of each individual specimen and suitable final production. It is advisable to transplant the seedling, with white, non-necrotized roots, on a raised bed of 15/20 cm with the collar out of the soil surface by at least 3/5 mm and irrigating immediately after transplanting, preferably during the morning hours.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

pruning

Pruning is limited to the harvesting operation for which manual intervention is recommended in order to prevent the seeds from falling out.

Reproduction/Propagation

Reproduction is by sowing, in the open field or in containers.

Irrigation

Use rainwater, or alternatively canal or aqueduct water, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. For transplanting, in order to obtain a rapid and homogeneous rooting of the seedlings with consequent suitable vegetative development, maintain a constant humidity of the new site but without exceeding the water supply. Subsequently, allow the soil or substrate to dry slightly between one watering and the next, keeping it slightly damp and free of water stagnation, which can lead to root rot; it is also advisable not to water the aerial part of the plant during the afternoon/evening to prevent the spread of phytopathologies.

In the case of sowing, for proper germination, it is advisable to moisten the seed before burying it completely in the soil, keeping the soil wet until the sprout emerges; also cover the surface with a layer of substrate or inert material.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilization

Caraway has medium-low requirements in terms of nutrients, a correct pre-transplant background fertilisation with organo-mineral fertiliser is generally able to meet the total needs of the crop. If necessary, balanced doses of a specific water-soluble fertiliser for horticulture can be added to the soil or substrate during the vegetative development phase, to be diluted in the irrigation water, considering that caraway is a potassium and secondarily nitrogen demanding species.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet friendly

Used as fodder for cattle feeding. Consider the type of pet and consult with your veternarian before feeding.

Edibility for humans

Edible variety.

Human toxicity

Ingestion toxicity not known. Do not take in excessive doses and consider the individual case for possible intolerances or contraindications.

advise 1

The seed of Carvi has innate dormancy, so it is necessary to place the seed for about 4 weeks at 3/5°C before sowing. In addition to the classic spring sowing, Carvi can also be sown in early autumn, especially in environments with a short growing season such as in high altitudes.