Ajowan is a spice that is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is known for its strong, pungent flavor and aroma, which is similar to thyme. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and associations of ajowan.
Definitions
Ajowan is a spice that comes from the fruit of the ajwain plant, which is native to the Middle East. The fruit is small and oval-shaped, and it has a brownish-green color. Ajowan is often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine as a flavoring agent for curries, breads, and pickles.
Origin
Ajowan has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and it is believed to have originated in the Middle East. It was brought to India by traders and has since become a staple in Indian cuisine. Today, ajowan is grown in many parts of the world, including Iran, Egypt, and Afghanistan.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ajowan is defined as “the small, oval fruit of an annual herb (Trachyspermum ammi synonym Carum copticum) of the parsley family that is native to Egypt and western Asia and is used especially in Indian cooking as a flavoring and carminative.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines ajowan as “a plant of the parsley family, whose seeds are used as a spice in Indian cooking.”
Associations
Ajowan is often associated with Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, where it is used as a flavoring agent for curries, breads, and pickles. It is also known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for ajowan include carom, bishop’s weed, and ajwain.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for ajowan, as it is a specific spice with a unique flavor and aroma.
The same root words
Ajowan is also known as Trachyspermum ammi or Carum copticum. These are the scientific names for the plant that produces ajowan.
Example Sentences
- The curry was flavored with ajowan, giving it a pungent and aromatic taste.
- Ajowan is often used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues and respiratory problems.
- The pickles were made with a mixture of ajowan, mustard seeds, and vinegar.
- The spice blend included cumin, coriander, and ajowan for a complex and flavorful taste.
- The bread was sprinkled with ajowan seeds, which added a subtle but distinct flavor to each bite.