Spice
Seed
Ajwain seed is the small, oval, ridged fruit of Trachyspermum ammi—used whole or lightly crushed, not usually as a leafy herb. Flavour is thymol-sharp, like a hotter, more medicinal thyme or caraway, with a peppery finish. A pinch goes far in doughs, lentil tadkas, and vegetable stir-fries. Toast briefly in oil or dry pan to wake aroma; grinding fresh is stronger than pre-ground. Common in Indian, Pakistani, and some Middle Eastern and North African spice mixes. Store airtight away from light; the volatile oils fade within months once opened.
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
Nutrition and pairings
Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 28.5 g
- Saturated Fat 4.28 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 9.99 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 14.3 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 41.9 mg
- Salt 0.1 g
- Total Carbohydrate 35.2 g
- Dietary Fibre 12 g
- Total Sugars 5.03 g
- Complex / starch 14.5 g
- Protein 15.9 g
- Water 16.4 g
- Energy 461 kcal
- Water 16.4 g
- Carbohydrates 35.2 g
- Protein 15.9 g
- Fat 28.5 g
- Saturated Fat 4.28 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 9.99 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 14.3 g
- Omega-3 2.14 g
- Vitamins 92.5 mg
- Vitamin A 15 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.09 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.13 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 1.74 mg
- Vitamin B5 — Pantothenic Acid 0.43 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.25 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 2.5 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 33.2 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin E 2.34 mg
- Vitamin K 34.8 µg
- Minerals 365 mg
- Major Minerals 364 mg
- Trace Minerals 1.5 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Salt 0.1 g
Vitamins
vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-a: 15 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.09 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.13 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 1.74 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.43 · vitamin-b6: 0.25 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 2.5 · vitamin-b9-folate: 33.2 · vitamin-e: 2.34 · vitamin-k: 34.8 ·
Minerals
Seeds concentrate oil and protein for germination energy.
History
Ajwain seeds were established in South Asian cookery and traditional medicine as a carminative spice.
Trade networks carried ajwain through Persian and Indian Ocean spice routes.
Packaged whole ajwain seed became a standard South Asian diaspora pantry item.