Carom Seeds

Ajwain carries a high thymol content, which is what gives it both its aroma and its use in digestive preparations. Extraction buyers contract on thymol; food buyers generally do not need to.

What to fix on the specification

• Thymol content: essential for extraction buyers, optional for food use.
• Purity: 98% minimum, with the counting method stated.
• Volatile oil: where aroma strength matters.
• Moisture and total ash.
• Admixture: other seeds picked up in the field.

Ajwain splits into two quite different trades: a food ingredient bought on cleanliness, and an extraction feedstock bought on thymol. Extraction and oleoresins covers the second.