Description
SHK Export supplies export-grade ajwain (carom seeds) to importers, wholesalers, food manufacturers, and pharmaceutical buyers across the UAE, USA, and global markets. Sourced from Gujarat and Rajasthan — India’s primary ajwain growing belts — our carom seeds are machine cleaned, graded, and packed to international food safety standards.
Trial orders start from 500kg. FOB and CIF pricing available on request.
About Indian Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), known internationally as carom seeds or bishop’s weed, is one of India’s most commercially significant minor spices. India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of ajwain, with cultivation concentrated in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh — regions where dry, hot growing conditions produce seeds with the highest essential oil content.
The seed’s distinctive thyme-like aroma and sharp, pungent flavour come from thymol — an active phenol compound naturally present in the essential oil. Thymol content is the primary quality indicator for ajwain in international trade, and it determines the seed’s value across food processing, pharmaceutical, and essential oil distillation applications.
SHK Export sources from established Gujarat and Rajasthan supply chains, processes through FSSAI-compliant facilities, and ships to buyer ports with full export documentation.
Thymol Content — The Quality Indicator That Matters
This is the section most ajwain buyers need but rarely find explained clearly.
What is thymol? Thymol is the primary bioactive compound in ajwain essential oil. It gives carom seeds their sharp, thyme-like aroma and is the reason ajwain commands a premium in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets alongside food trade. Indian ajwain is globally valued for naturally higher thymol concentrations compared to other origins.
Why does thymol % matter when buying?
| Buyer Type | Why Thymol % Matters |
|---|---|
| Spice blender / food manufacturer | Determines intensity of flavour contribution per gram — higher thymol = less seed needed |
| Essential oil distiller | Thymol yield per kg of seed directly affects extraction economics |
| Pharmaceutical / nutraceutical | Active ingredient for antimicrobial and digestive formulations — needs minimum specified % |
| Wholesale distributor | Aroma strength affects end-customer perception of freshness and quality |
Standard thymol specification for Indian ajwain export:
- Minimum thymol content: 35–40% of volatile oil
- Volatile oil content: 2–4% (this is what the COA reports)
- Higher volatile oil content = higher thymol yield
Always request a batch-specific COA with volatile oil % confirmed. A COA without a batch number is not batch-specific — it’s a template.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Trachyspermum ammi |
| Common names | Ajwain, Carom seeds, Bishop’s weed, Ajowan |
| Origin | Gujarat and Rajasthan, India |
| Purity | 100% |
| Cleaning process | Machine cleaned |
| Moisture content | 10% max |
| Volatile oil content | Min 2% (thymol-rich) |
| Colour | Natural light brown to dark brown |
| Appearance | Small, ridged, oval seeds |
| Shelf life | 12–18 months (stored in cool, dry, airtight conditions) |
| Form | Whole seeds or ground powder |
Available Forms
Whole Ajwain Seeds Machine cleaned, graded for purity and consistent aroma. Suitable for spice trade, food manufacturing, essential oil distillation, and wholesale distribution.
Ground Carom Seed Powder Milled from cleaned whole seeds. Consistent particle size. Used in spice blending, seasoning mixes, bakery formulations, and ready-to-use spice products.
Both forms are available in standard export packaging configurations.
Applications
In food manufacturing, ajwain seeds are used in bread, crackers, savoury snacks, pickle formulations, and spice blends — particularly in Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines where their sharp, thyme-adjacent flavour is essential rather than optional. Ground ajwain features in seasoning mixes and ready-to-use masalas.
In pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing, thymol extracted from ajwain essential oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, and digestive applications. Ajwain powder is also used in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine formulations. This segment consistently specifies a minimum volatile oil percentage and requires pesticide residue testing confirmation — both of which can be provided with our shipments.
In essential oil distillation, ajwain seeds are processed for thymol-rich essential oil, used in pharmaceutical products, oral care formulations, and cosmetics.
Packaging & Minimum Order
For pharmaceutical or nutraceutical buyers requiring tighter packaging specifications or additional moisture barriers, contact us to discuss options.
Certifications & Export Documentation
Our certifications:
- FSSAI License
- APEDA RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate)
- IEC (Import Export Code)
- Spices Board of India registration
Documents provided with every shipment:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) — batch-specific, volatile oil % confirmed
- Phytosanitary Certificate (Plant Quarantine Authority of India)
- Certificate of Origin
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- Fumigation Certificate (where applicable)
APEDA and Spices Board registrations can be verified at APEDA and Spices Board of India.
Shipping to UAE and USA
UAE buyers: Ajwain is widely used across GCC cuisine and is a standard item in bulk spice trade to the Middle East. UAE-bound shipments transit approximately 7–12 days by sea from Indian loading ports. SHK Export supplies buyers in the UAE with standard export documentation suited to GCC import clearance requirements.
USA buyers: FDA Prior Notice must be filed before arrival at any US port. For pharmaceutical-grade ajwain or nutraceutical applications, US buyers should confirm FSMA compliance documentation requirements at the time of order. Transit to US West Coast is approximately 25–30 days; East Coast 30–35 days.
Request a Sample or Get a Bulk Quote
Specify form (whole seeds / ground powder), quantity, and destination port. Include your application (food manufacturing, wholesale, pharmaceutical) for a faster, more relevant response.
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For more on importing spices from India, read our Complete Buyer’s Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between ajwain and carom seeds?
They are the same product. “Ajwain” is the Hindi/Urdu name used widely in South Asia and in international trade. “Carom seeds” is the English name. “Bishop’s weed” and “ajowan” are alternate English names for the same spice — Trachyspermum ammi.
2. What thymol content should I expect from Indian ajwain?
Indian ajwain essential oil typically contains 35–40% thymol. The COA will report volatile oil content as a percentage of seed weight — standard export grade is minimum 2%. Request a batch-specific COA with volatile oil % confirmed before finalising a bulk order.
3. Is ajwain from India suitable for pharmaceutical applications?
Yes, provided the supplier can confirm volatile oil % and pesticide residue testing on a batch-specific basis. Contact us to confirm what testing documentation is available for your specific application.
4. What is the minimum order quantity?
Trial orders start from 500kg. Full container loads (FCL) are accepted for established buyers. Contact us to discuss MOQ flexibility for recurring supply arrangements.
5. Do you supply both whole ajwain seeds and ground carom powder?
Yes. Both forms are available in standard packaging. Custom grind sizes for powder can be discussed.
6. What certifications does SHK Export hold?
FSSAI licensed, APEDA RCMC registered, IEC registered, Spices Board of India certified. Copies available on request.
7. What is the moisture content of your ajwain seeds?
Maximum 10% moisture. Confirmed on batch-specific COA with each shipment.
8. What documents come with an ajwain shipment from India?
Every shipment includes: batch-specific COA with volatile oil %, Phytosanitary Certificate, Certificate of Origin, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading. Additional documentation for destination-country clearance can be arranged.
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