By Emma (the unconventional gardener) Cooper
![Caraway, Carum carvi](http://blogs.reading.ac.uk/crg/files/2016/12/Carum_carvi_-_Köhler–s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-172B-240x300.jpg)
It’s possible to grow up in the UK and never consciously encounter caraway as a spice – I certainly did. And yet this versatile plant adds flavour to meat, fish, and vegetables details. But it’s claim to Christmas fame comes from its ability to make stand-out Christmas cookies, and wonderful cakes. As if that weren’t enough, it has magical powers to prevent theft, and stop geese from straying, and is a key ingredient in love potions. Sounds like caraway is a spice for life, and not just for Christmas!
For more on Caraway read The Unconventional Gardener
Editor’s notes:
For those more historically inclined – there was a US Senator called Hattie Caraway, a prominent 1930s politician in the U.S.A.
But back to the main story… Emma has just published a new book, The Small Harvest Notebook: Vol. 1, aimed at gardeners with small urban gardens. It’s available from Amazon.
![The Small Harvest Notebook: Vol. 1](http://blogs.reading.ac.uk/crg/files/2016/12/EmmaCVol1.jpg)