AJWAIN SEEDS

A wonderful seed that adds a perky freshness to carbohydrates. Ajwain is related to fennel, caraway, cumin etc., but it is much smaller than these. The seed has a similar size and shape like celery seeds. The taste is strong but has a certain freshness to it. Carom, a seed high in thymol (found in thyme), is popular in some Indian dal dishes and in breads and potatoes where it is used as a spice very much like cumin.



Here are a few suggestions how to use organic ajwain in cooking:

· Usage is mainly for potatoes and lentils.

· It is also very good for fish.

· Good in any root vegetable dish.

· Used in curry powder specifically for vegetables and lentils

· Used in fried Indian fritters/apetizers called bhajia

· To flavor Indian breads like parantha and pooris and fried snacks



Hint: Ajwain, often confused with lovage, but is different. It is rearely used with meats.

Botanical Name: Trachyspermum amoni (L.) Sprague



Traditional Ayurvedic(herb) use: The seed of ajwain are hot dry and light in nature. They are appetizing, and aid in digestion. . It is used with starchy foods and dals/lentils and beans due to its flavor and aid in digestion. Because of its thymol content, it is a strong germicide, anti-spasmodic and fungicide. . In India ajwain seeds are a home remedy for indigestion and asthma. In India it is also crushed and added to buttermilk with salt for any colicky pain due to flatulence (gas), indigestion and infections in the intestines. For colds, bronchitis and asthma, ajwain is traditionally mixed with jaggery (gur) and heated.



Ayurvedic Orientation: Pungent, bitter heating.

Action on Dosha : Alleviate Kapha and Vata may increases Pitta. Excellent painkiller and heart tonic. Reduces gas in intestines. It is hot, sharp and penetrating hence good for kindling Agni and aids in digestion.



Action on Agni: Deepana, pachana - makes the food appealing.

Uses Acute pain in the abdomen, indigestion - use with warm water or try chewing a 1/2 tsp with common salt and drinking a cup of hot water on top of it.



Importer: Global Foods Trading GmbH, Germany

Origin: India

Net weight: 100g