Caraway Oil

Chemical properties

Yellowish liquid. Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol.The oil obtained from the caraway seed. The chief components are carvone and d-limonene.

Chemical properties

Caraway oil is obtained by steam distillation of crushed caraway seeds from Carum carvi L. (Apiaceae). It is a colorless to yellow liquid with a characteristic caraway odor and a mild-spicy taste.
d²⁰₂₀ 0.901–0.920; n²⁰_D 1.4840–1.4890; α²⁰_D +67° to +80°; solubility: 1 vol in ≤8 vol 80% ethanol. Carbonyl value 179–243 corresponding to a carbonyl content calculated as carvone: 48–65%.
The major constituents of common caraway oil are (+)-limonene and (+)-carvone, which together may make up more than 95% of the oil. (+)-Carvone is the essential odor component.
Caraway oil is produced, for example, inHungary and Egypt. Annual production is >10 t. It is used primarily for flavoring food and alcoholic beverages.

Chemical properties

The oil is steam-distilled from the dried, crushed, ripe fruits. It is offered in markets in at least two grades: crude and double rectified. The crude oil has an initial note of nauseating, almost amine-like type; the rectified oil does not have this odor.

Physical properties

A colorless to pale-yellow liquid; darkens and thickens with age.

The Uses of Caraway Oil

caraway oil (Carum carvi) is a carrier oil credited with the ability to alleviate bruises, and believed to have tissue-regenerating properties. It is said to be beneficial for acne and oily skin. Caraway is a member of the group of aromatic, umbelliferous plants, such as anise, cumin, dill, and fennel, characterized by carminative properties. Carvene (also found in dill and cumin oils), an oxygenated oil, and carvol are the principal constituents of caraway oil. Caraway oil is obtained from the distillation of the seeds, and may cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.

The Uses of Caraway Oil

Pharmaceutic aid (flavor). In manufacture of liqueurs and perfuming soaps; as a spice in baking.

The Uses of Caraway Oil

Caraway Oil works as anti-histamines; which are used to help provide relief from seasonal allergies

Definition

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Carum carvi, Umbelliferae.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion and skin contact. A skin irritant. Mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also 1(-)-CARVONE.