Is caraway seed the same as fennel seed?

No, caraway seed and fennel seed are not the same, though they are sometimes confused due to their similar appearances and flavors. Caraway seeds have a more earthy, slightly nutty taste with a hint of anise, while fennel seeds are sweeter and have a more pronounced licorice flavor. They come from different plants—caraway from Carum carvi and fennel from Foeniculum vulgare—and are used in distinct culinary contexts.