Ajwain is well known as an annual herb and comes under the Apiaceae family. Some other names of Ajwain are thymol seeds, ajowan, ajowan caraway, Trachyspermum Ammi, Omam, carom, bishop’s weed, etc.
Its seeds and leaves are consumed by humans and mistakenly called seed, but they are fruits. The fruit or seed of the Carom Seeds plant is mistaken as a lovage seed.
The shape of Ajwain is oval and small, and pale brown schizocarps are the color of this seed-like fruit. The color and shape of Carom Seeds look like the seeds of fennel, cumin, and caraway, some other plants of the same Apiaceae family. The flavor of Ajwain is similar to oregano and anise. It tastes pungent and bitter.
The smell of Ajwain is close to the smell of thyme. It is because of the thymol present in Ajwain. The taste of Ajwain or Carom Seeds is subtle, and its aroma is very high. A little high use of Ajwain ( its flavor, taste, and aroma ) can dominate a dish’s flavor.
From the article below, you can get so much information about Carom Seeds or Ajwain. Like – Carom seeds or Ajwain in Marathi, its types, health benefits, nutritional value of Ajwain, cost, recipes, availability, and popularity in the local area, etc.
| English name | Ajwain |
| Marathi name | Ajwain or ova |
| Scientific name | Trachyspermum ammi |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Species | T. Ammi |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Genus | Trachyspermum |
Carom Seeds or Ajwain in Marathi Name
Ova or owva is the Marathi name of ajwain or Carom seeds. Marathi people can also understand the word Ajwain. If you are in a rural Marathi area, it is possible that the local people may not understand the name.
So it would help if you asked them for Ova. In the city or out-of-village areas, hotels, or restaurants, the people know the word Ajwian well.
Product of Ajwain
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Types of Ajwain or Carom seeds
You can find four varieties of Ajwain all over the world. They are – Carum Copticum, Ammi Copticum, Sison Ammi, and Trachyspermum Copticum.
Nutritional value of Ajwain Or Carom seeds
You can get the nutritional values from 100 grams of Ajwain or Carom Seeds are –
| Nutritional value | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Energy | 357 kcal |
| Protein | 15.80 grams |
| Fat | 21.10 grams |
| Fibre | 20.58 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 24.55 grams |
| Calcium | 1033 mg |
| Iron | 13.65 mg |
| Zinc | 5.66 mg |
| Phosphorus | 329 mg |
| Sodium | 28.58 mg |
| Beta carotene | 746 mg |
| Omega – 3 fatty acids | 76.72 mg |
| Vitamin A | 125 mcg |
| Potassium | 1692 mg |
| Vitamin B9 ( folate ) | 51.79 mcg |
| Manganese | 6.85 mg |
| Magnesium | 273 mg |
The seeds of the ajwain plant are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. In 100 grams of ajwain seed, you can find 9% of moisture. Carom seed, Carom Seeds or ajwain seed extract, or powder may decrease the high triglyceride and cholesterol level.
Both triglyceride and cholesterol are two main risk factors that can cause heart disease. Carom seeds are rich in minerals such as sodium, niacin, potassium, thiamine, phosphorus, and calcium. It also has proteins, fatty acids, fiber, and carbohydrates.
Health benefits of Ajwain or Carom seeds
There are incredible health benefits present in ajwain seeds. You can also roast the seeds to enhance their flavor. You can add raw seeds to your tea or water or chew them for maximum benefits. There are numerous benefits of Ajwain, but some of them are –
1. Ajwain or Carom Seeds works as a fighter against infections
Ajwain or carom seeds have powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties. Thyme is an active compound of Ajwain that helps to stop the fungi and bacterial growth like – Candida albicans, Salmonella, and E.coli.
2. Ajwain helps relieve stomach problems and promotes digestion
Ajwain seeds work as a magical home remedy that is very effective for many stomach problems. As you know, active enzymes are present in Carom Seeds or Ajwain; they help to facilitate gastric juice release and boost digestion.
According to some studies, ajwain seeds help to get reed from intestinal and stomach ulcers. The seeds also treat and prevent chronic indigestion problems like uneasiness, stomach pain, and gaseous distention.
Procedure to make Ajwain home remedy to cure stomach disturbance – take one teaspoon of Ajwain, one teaspoon of cumin seeds, and half a teaspoon of ginger powder. Then put the dry mixture into water and stir it well. Then drink it daily to cure stomach-related problems and heartburn.
3. Ajwain or Carom Seeds helps to cure common coughs and colds
You can use Ajwain to cure colds and coughs as a decongestant. It helps in easy mucus discharge, relieving you from nose blockage.
Ajwain can open up the nasal passages, which are clogged. It brings airflow improvement in the lungs. So Carom Seeds or Ajwain is very helpful for bronchitis and asthmatic people.
Use – you have to crush a few ajwain seeds and add them to a little jaggery. If you want an effective result to cure cough and cold, chew the mixture 2 to 3 times daily.
You can tie up a tablespoon of crushed ajwain seed in a clean cloth. Then inhale it to clear the nasal blockage problem.
4. Carom Seeds or Ajwain helps to decrease blood pressure levels
Ajwain seeds have thymol. And it helps to regulate blood pressure. According to an animal study, the seeds of the Ajwain plant have blocking effects on calcium channels.
This factor avoids calcium entry into blood vessel walls and heart cells. It helps to low down the blood pressure level.
5. Carom Seeds or Ajwain helps to enhance the level of good cholesterol
The seeds of the Ajwain plant play an important role in regulating good cholesterol levels and lowering the bad cholesterol level.
Ajwain seeds have high amounts of fatty acids and dietary fibers, which help to maintain a healthy cholesterol level.
6. Carom Seeds or Ajwain helps to reduce different joint pains
Ajwain seeds have both anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Above properties can reduce arthritis symptoms. It helps to reduce joint pain, swelling, and redness. You can soak ajwain seeds ( handfuls ) in a hot water tub.
Then put the affected area and leave it for some time or you can make a paste of ajwain seed and apply it on the affected area. By both ways, you can get rid of joint pains.
7. Ajwain or Carom seeds can reduce ear and tooth pains
Ear and tooth pain are two critical pains among all kinds of body pains. Ajwain oil can lower ear pain magically. If you suffer from toothache, take a glass of lukewarm water, add salt and ajwain seeds, and then gargle it.
Benefits of ajwain or carom seeds water
Besides consuming raw ajwain seeds or their powder form, you can also drink ajwain water to get all of it. Ajwain water is very helpful for women, especially. The method of preparing Ajwain Kadha is to take a pan and add Ajwain seeds and water to it.
Then boil it till half of the solution is left. Then pour it in a glass or bowl and then drink it. You can add honey, lemon, apple cider vinegar, and black salt to the liquid. Mix it well and sip it.
1. Ajwain or Carom Seeds water is very helpful for babies and females
Ajwain water helps relieve discomfort and decreases the abdomen’s gaseous distention in babies. The water is also very helpful for regular periods in females and cleans the stomach and uterus. If a pregnant female drinks Ajwain water regularly, it helps to solve the indigestion problem.
2. Ajwain water helps in weight loss
Generally, Ayurveda highly recommends drinking Ajwain water to lose weight. Ajwain water helps to promote metabolism and cleans the digestive system. These two processes lead the human body toward weight loss procedures.
If you want to get the best result, then you must drink the magical water regularly. If you can’t drink it because of its flavor, add a few drops of lemon juice and honey to it.
3. Ajwain water helps to solve respiratory issues
Ajwain water can solve the blockage problem in the pharynx and lungs by keeping them clean. This blockage-cleaning procedure is known as a bronchodilatory effect.
This effect is very helpful for asthmatic patients. Ajwain water helps in better breathing for asthma patients and allows a smooth air passage.
4. Ajwain helps to put a stop to graying hair
Consuming Ajwain seeds in different ways can halt premature hair graying. To prepare a mixture of Ajwain hair masks, add dry grapes, curry leaves, carom or Ajwain seeds, and sugar to a pan.
Add water and boil it. To get a better result, you must drink a glass of this liquid regularly until the result comes.
5. Ajwain works as a mosquito repellent
Sometimes, the mosquito repellent you buy from the market doesn’t work properly. But you can make effective mosquito repellent at home without investing much money or labor. You can add ajwain seeds with mustard oil. Take some cardboard pieces into the solution.
Then tie these pieces to different places or corners of your house. The smell of the spice and oil can ward off insects, and it is also environmentally friendly, unlike chemical mosquito repellents.
6. Ajwain seeds help to clean skin
The powder of Ajwain seeds helps to get rid of skin dirt and lighten skin, and remove acne scars. Prepare a paste of Ajwain with water and apply it on the affected area for some minutes and then wash with water for better results.
Cost of Carom seeds or Ajwain in Marathi areas
In India, Rs 130 to Rs 280 per kg is the in-between cost of Ajwain. The price may vary according to the quality, packaging, form ( seeds or powder ), and stores from where you buy ( online store, local market, or super marts ). The cost also varies based on the suppliers and manufacturers.
The lowest price for 1 kg ajwain can be Rs 50, which can go up to Rs 320 or more. In Maharashtra, you can purchase 1kg carom or ajwain seed by spending around Rs 80 to Rs 300 approximately. Rs 160 is the average cost of 1kg ajwain in Pune and Mumbai.
Availability and popularity of Carom seeds or Ajwain in Marathi areas ( Maharashtra, Goa, union territories of Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman – Diu )
Generally, the sown procedure of Ajwain happens in the middle days of August, and the harvesting period is nearly around December to January. Rajasthan and Gujarat are known as the major Ajwain producer states in India.
Approximately 90% of total ajwain production in India happens in Rajasthan. Some other popular Ajwain producer states in India from the Southern part are – Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Hence, there is no insufficiency of Ajwain in India.
Maharashtra and Marathi people are especially famous for their love for spices. They love to prepare foods by using a lot of spices and Tadka. It is also famous for its soluble dietary fiber content, which helps to improve intestine health, boosts the digestive system, and reduces bloating. So the popularity of Ajwain in Marathi-telling areas is high.
Popular recipes of Ajwain or Carom seeds in Marathi areas
Ajwain can be used as Tadka in dals, curries, and pakoras. You can also use ajwain seeds to give flavor to pieces of bread. You can also use it to prepare dishes related to rice, parathas, and meat. Its use can preserve pickles, chutneys, and jams.
Indians can prepare various dishes by using ajwain or carom seeds. Some of them are – ajwain paratha, ajwain and arbi sabji, ajwain puri, ajwain cookies, ajwain rice, ajwain jhol, fresh ajwain leaves fritters, ajwain and kalonji nimki, ajwain murukku, aloo ajwain sabji, ajwain drink with curd, etc.
Final verdict
One of the most commonly used spices in India is Ajwain. The seeds have the same aroma as thyme, with a bitter and strong taste. Its main benefit is that – it can cure various stomach disturbances like loose motion, indigestion, gastric, etc.
It is a very familiar spice in almost all Indian households. Undoubtedly, Ajwain is very popular among Indian people.
Hope you can get all the information about Carom Seeds or Ajwain from the above article, including – Carom seeds or Ajwain in Marathi, its types, health benefits of Ajwain, nutritional value, cost, recipes, availability, and popularity in the local area, and many more.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the health benefits of Ajwain?
1. Ajwain seeds can reduce ear and tooth pains.
2. Ajwain helps to reduce different joint pains.
3. Ajwain works as a fighter against infections.
4. Ajwain helps to get relief from stomach problems and promotes digestion.
5. Ajwain helps to cure common coughs and colds.
6. Ajwain helps to decrease blood pressure levels.
7. Ajwain helps to enhance the level of good cholesterol.
8. Ajwain water is very helpful for babies and females.
9. Ajwain water helps in weight loss.
10. Ajwain water helps to solve respiratory issues.
2. Which are the sources of Ajwain worldwide?
Turkey, Asia, Persia, and Iran are different sources of ajwain plants worldwide. Ajwain is also cultivated in some parts of India. It is also found in North and Middle East Africa.
3. What are the popular recipes you can prepare by using Ajwain?
Ajwain can be used as Tadka in dals, curries, and pakoras. You can also use ajwain seeds to give flavor to pieces of bread. You can also use it to prepare dishes related to rice, parathas, and meat. Its use can preserve pickles, chutneys, and jams.
Indians can prepare various dishes by using ajwain or carom seeds. Some of them are – ajwain paratha, ajwain and arbi sabji, ajwain puri, ajwain cookies, ajwain rice, ajwain jhol, fresh ajwain leaves fritters, ajwain and kalonji nimki, ajwain murukku, aloo ajwain sabji, ajwain drink with curd, etc.
4. How does Ajwain work as a mosquito repellent?
Sometimes the mosquito repellent you buy from the market doesn’t work properly. But you can make effective mosquito repellent at home without investing much money or labor.
You can add ajwain seeds with mustard oil. Take some cardboard pieces into the solution. Then tie these pieces to different places or corners of your house. The smell of the spice and oil can ward off insects, and it is also environmentally friendly, unlike chemical mosquito repellents.
5. What are the uses of Ajwain in different foods?
1. Ajwain has a distinctive taste and strong aroma. So it is used as Tadka for dal and sabzis like – mooli ki sabji, alu ki sabji, Rangon na Vaal, etc.
2. People use caron seed or Ajwain in different types of dough and snack items like samosa, Paratha, Nimki, etc. Add it in batters to make fafda, bhajiya, pakoda, etc.
3. You can also add it to curd and water to relieve stomach disturbance.
4. Consume it with jaggery and honey to get rid of cough and cold.
5. It also works as a food preservative.
6. How does Ajwain help in weight loss?
Generally, Ayurveda highly recommends drinking Ajwain water to lose weight. Ajwain water helps to promote metabolism and cleans the digestive system.
These two processes lead the human body toward weight loss procedures. If you want to get the best result, then you must drink the magical water regularly. If you can’t drink it because of its flavor, add a few drops of lemon juice and honey to it.
2. What are the different names of Ajwain in India?
Based on different places, ajwain seeds have different names worldwide. Some of the popular names are – Juani, Onva, Vamu, Ayanodakan, Yamanika, Ajma, Jevain, Yom, Oma, Ajmo, Ajave seeds, Javain, Javan, Yoyana, Dipyaka, Yamani, Ajwan, Ethiopian cumin, Omum, Omam, Bishop’s weed, Trachyspermum Ammi, etc.
| Language | Different names of ajwain |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit | Ajwain |
| English | Bishop’s weed or carom seed |
| Hindi | Ajwain |
| Marathi | Ova or Ajwain |
| Odiya | Juani |
| Tamil | Omam |
| Telugu | Veelakar or Vamu or Omammu |
| Malayalam | Ayamodakam |
| French | Carambola grains or Ajowan |
| German | Ajowan Samen |
