Caraway (Carum carvi L.) is grown for its seeds (botanically fruits) which are used in food, cosmetics, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. The chapter details the classification, chemical structure and production system of caraway including post-havest handling. The main products from caraway and their uses in food are depicted. Several processed products from caraway whole seed, such as seed powder, essential oil, fatty oil, oleoresins and caraway carvone, find application in the food and medicinal industries. The chapter discusses the bioactive compounds present in essential oil from the seeds and describes the major functional propeties of caraway antiflatulent, antispasmodic and antidyspepsic, antimicrobial, emmenogogue and lactogogue, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and insecticidal. Toxicity information and quality specifications for different caraway products and adulteration are also given.
