Carom seeds

Carom Seeds

Carom seeds, also known as Ajwain or Bishop's Weed, are a common spice used in various cuisines around the world. They are native to the Middle East and are particularly popular in Indian cuisine, where they are often used in curry dishes and bread recipes.

Description

Carom seeds are small, oval-shaped, and have a pale brown color. They have a strong, pungent flavor and aroma, similar to thyme due to the presence of thymol, an essential oil. When crushed, they exude a unique and distinctive aroma.

Culinary Uses

Carom seeds are used both whole and ground in cooking. They are often dry-roasted or fried in ghee (clarified butter) to enhance their flavor before being added to dishes. In Indian cuisine, they are commonly used in tadka (tempering), a cooking technique where spices are heated in oil or ghee and then added to a dish. They are also a key ingredient in certain types of Indian bread such as paratha and naan.

Medicinal Uses

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, carom seeds have been used to treat a variety of ailments. They are believed to aid digestion, relieve abdominal discomfort, and have antiseptic properties. They are also used in home remedies for cold and cough.

Cultivation

Carom seeds are harvested from the Trachyspermum ammi plant, a member of the Apiaceae family. The plant is a small, annual herb that grows in various parts of the Middle East and South Asia. It prefers a hot, dry climate and well-drained soil.

See Also

• List of culinary herbs and spices
• Indian cuisine
• Ayurvedic medicine