Ajwain (pronounced uj-wine) is a seed-like fruit often used in Indian cooking as part of a spice mixture. It looks similar to fennel and cumin seeds and is highly fragrant, smelling like thyme. Its taste, however, is more like oregano and anise due to the bitter notes and strong flavor.
Is ajwain the same as fennel seeds?
Fennel seeds are larger and have a milder flavor profile than the ajwain seed. They’re also slightly sweeter in taste. Ajwain has a sharper flavor profile and is used in dishes to balance out flavors. They are often dry roasted or fried before use, but can also be added whole when cooking.
What’s ajwain called in English?
It goes by many other names, including carom seed, bishop’s weed, and ajowan caraway. Ajwain is common in Indian food. It has a strong, bitter taste with an aroma similar to thyme.
What is the Indian name for fennel seeds?
saunf
Fennel seeds are the dried seeds of the fennel plant, which is an aromatic herb belonging to the parsley family. This herb is commonly known as saunf in Hindi.
What is ajwain made of?
Although these leaves come from different plant as the true ajwain plant, the succulent leaves are still known as ajwain leaves in the Indian subcontinent. The plant that the leaves are a part of is also known as the ‘Indian Borage,’ which is also called the ajwain plant sometimes.
Is ajwain harmful?
Generally, if consumed in moderate amounts ajwain do not cause any side effects. However, if overused it may show some adverse effects in a few people. Overuse may worsen stomach ulcers and it should be avoided by people suffering from diverticulitis, liver diseases and ulcerative colitis.
What is a substitute for ajwain?
There are available substitutes for carom seeds such as caraway seeds, thyme, fennel seeds, Marjoram, and Mexican oregano.
What happens if we eat ajwain daily?
Yes, Ajwain possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that might help in weight loss. It improves digestion by removing toxins from the body, cure stomach problems like constipation, gas, acidity etc. All these factors contribute to enhanced body metabolism which is essential for weight loss[5].
What are the side effects of ajwain?
But over-consumption may lead to several adverse effects, such as; it may cause stomach ulcer and heartburns, leads to dizziness and nausea, increases liver problems, causes heart diseases, it increases the body temperature thus causing several problems during pregnancy, it may also cause photosensitivity.
Is ajwain good for stomach?
Ajwain is good for any abdominal discomfort that occurs due to indigestion. One of its crucial benefits is that it keeps your stomach strong and provides instant relief from acidity and indigestion. The active enzymes in ajwain, thymol, helps in the secretion of gastric juices that improve digestion.
What is another name for fennel seed?
Fennel seeds are sometimes called sweet cumin or large cumin because of their resemblance to cumin seeds.
Is Jeera a fennel seed?
Cumin seeds, known as ‘jeera’ in Hindi is one of the main spices of garam masala and curry powders. Fennel on the other hand is known as ‘saunf’ in Hindi and is used as rubs for a number of dishes. Novice cooks often mistake one for the other but these two seeds could not be more different!
What is another name for fennel?
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a flowering plant species in the carrot family. It is a hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves.
Fennel | |
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Species: | F. vulgare |
Binomial name | |
Foeniculum vulgare Mill. | |
Synonyms |
Can I drink ajwain water daily?
Another reason for its extensive use is perhaps the many health benefits it offers; from aiding digestion to relieving tooth and ear related pain. While adding ajwain to our daily food is one way of consuming this wonder spice, having it infused in water daily can be a more potent way of targeting a health problem.
Does ajwain cause constipation?
Ajwain is a good home remedy for constipation . Due to its laxative properties, ajwain helps to loosen stools and improve bowel movements. Moreover, ajwain does not have any side effects.
Does ajwain cause mouth ulcers?
According to a report in Pharmeasy, ajwain seeds have potent bioactive compounds, and they can cause inflammation in the mouth, resulting in a burning sensation and mouth ulcers. If you are pregnant, then you must avoid ajwain.
Does ajwain cause high blood pressure?
Some of the spices in your kitchen pantry may actually do wonders for your heart health. Provided they are used well and in moderation. According to Ayurveda, ajwain is one such spice that could regulate elevated blood pressure levels.
Does ajwain cause hair loss?
Carom seeds contain a compound known as p-cymene, which acts against the bacteria and other parasitic microorganisms that cause dandruff on your scalp. Ajwain oil has anti-hair fall properties, which can prevent hair breakage and make your hair cuticles strong.
Is ajwain good for kidney?
Ajwain works well to dissolve kidney stones, as it contains various phytochemical compounds. If consumed regularly with honey and vinegar, for nearly 10 days, Ajwain can dissolve kidney stone and it will pass through urine. It can also cure pain caused due to kidney problems.
What are the benefits of ajwain?
6 Emerging Benefits and Uses of Carom Seeds (Ajwain)
- Fight bacteria and fungi. Carom seeds have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Improve cholesterol levels.
- May lower blood pressure.
- Combats peptic ulcers and relieves indigestion.
- May prevent coughing and improve airflow.
- Has anti-inflammatory effects.
Where is ajwain found?
Ajwain tends to grow in regions that are dry and barren. This spice is indigenous to Egypt but is also grown in many parts of South & West Asia, including Iran, India, Pakistan, and other countries. Gujarat and Rajasthan are regions within India that are well known for cultivating ajwain.
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