Ajowan

Ajowan, a member of the Umbelliferae family, is an erect, glabrous, branched annual herb. The stems are striate, and the leaves are pinnately divided with linear segments. The flowers, white and small, occur in terminal or seemingly-lateral pedunculate. The fruits, grayish brown in color, are ovoid, muricate and aromatic cremocarps.

Ajowan is used in savory pastries and breads, especially parathas. It is particularly suited to the delicate vegetarian fare found in Gujarat.

Ajowan is also used as a crude drug to enhance the body's resistance. It is a potent antimicrobial agent.

It is also known as Bishop’s Weed and Carum.