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INTRODUCTION
Also known as Bishop's weed, Ajowan is an
aromatic spice closely resembling thyme in flavour. Bishop's weed imparts
a specific aroma and taste to a wide variety of foods. It has also excellent
preservative and medicinal properties.
Traditionally, India has been one of the most
important sources of Ajowan seed. The main producing states are Rajasthan
and Gujarat.
BOTANICAL NAME
Trachyspermum amoni (L.) Sprague
FAMILY NAME
Apiaceae
COMMERCIAL PART
Fruit
GRADE SPECIFICATIONS
Grade designations and
definition of quality of Ajowan Seeds
| Special characteristics |
| Grade designation |
Inorganic foreign matter, percent by weight maximum |
Organic foreign matter, percent by weight maximum |
Shrivelled, immature, damaged, discoloured and
weevilled seeds percent by weight, maximum |
Moisture percent by weight maximum |
| Special |
0.25 |
0.50 |
1.0 |
11.0 |
| Good |
0.50 |
0.75 |
2.0 |
11.0 |
General characteristics:
Ajowan seeds shall:
- Be the dried ripe fruits of the plant botanically
known as trachyspermum ammi (Linn);
- Have the characteristics size, shape, colour,
taste and aroma normal to the variety;
- Be free from visible mould or insect, living
or dead; and
- Be free from musty odour.
Definitions:
- Inorganic foreign matter: Includes sand,
earth and dust.
- Organic foreign matter: Includes leaf, stem,
chaff, other seeds and any vegetable matter.
- Shrivelled and immature seeds: Seeds that
are not properly developed.
- Weevilled seeds: Seeds that are partially
or wholly bored or eaten away by weevil or other insects.
- Damaged and discoloured seeds: Includes
seeds that are cut, broken, damaged and discoloured, damage and discolouration
materially affecting the quality.
PRODUCTION
Highest Yearly Production : 3567 Tonnes
HARVESTING SEASON
January to February
MARKETING SEASON
March to April
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