Ajowan

Abstract

Ajowan, or bishop’s weed (Trachyspermum ammi L. Sprague ex. Turill, syn. T. copticum Linn and Carum copticum Hiern), belonging to the family Apiaceae, is an important seed spice. It is used as a spice in certain areas of Asia only. It is a small seed-like fruit, egg-shaped and greyish in colour. The plant has a similarity to parsley. Because of their seed-like appearance, the fruit pods are sometimes called ajwain seeds, or bishop’s weed seeds. It is found mostly in Indian cooking, where it is also known as bishop’s weed or carom. It is particularly suited to the delicate vegetarian cuisine from the state of Gujarat. Table 16.1 illustrates the export of ajowan to various countries from India. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are the leading importers (Malhotra and Vijay, 2004).