Ajwain
Ajwain
Ajwain (pronounced: əˈdʒweɪn), also known as bishop's weed or carom seeds, is a plant in the family Apiaceae. The plant's small, oval-shaped, seed-like fruits are pale brown schizocarps, which have a pungent and slightly bitter taste, with a flavor similar to anise and oregano. They smell almost exactly like thyme because they also contain thymol, but they are more aromatic and less subtle in taste, as well as being slightly bitter and pungent. Even a small number of fruits tends to dominate the flavor of a dish.
Etymology
The term "ajwain" is derived from the Sanskrit word "yavanika", meaning "foreign". This is likely due to the plant's origins in the Eastern Mediterranean region, from where it spread to India.
Usage
Ajwain seeds are used as a spice in cooking. They are often ground into a powder and used to flavor a variety of dishes, including breads, curries, and pickles. In addition to their culinary uses, ajwain seeds are also known for their medicinal properties. They are commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat digestive issues, such as indigestion, flatulence, and diarrhea.
Related Terms
- Thymol: A chemical compound found in ajwain seeds, which gives them their distinctive flavor and aroma.
- Schizocarp: A type of fruit in which each seed is enclosed in a separate compartment.
- Ayurveda: A system of traditional medicine native to India, in which ajwain seeds are commonly used.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ajwain
- Wikipedia's article - Ajwain
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