Final answer:
Adding whole caraway seeds directly before serving goulash can result in a strong flavor that may overpower the dish and hard seeds that are unpleasant to chew. These seeds should be added during the cooking process to properly infuse their flavor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adding whole caraway seed to a portion of goulash just before serving might not be ideal because caraway seeds are quite pungent and might overpower the dish with their strong flavor if not given time to cook and blend with the other ingredients. Additionally, whole seeds can also remain hard and may be unpleasant to chew if not cooked for a sufficient amount of time. In traditional cooking, spices such as caraway seeds are often added during the cooking process, allowing their flavors to infuse into the dish, which ensures a balanced taste and a more pleasant texture.