Carom
What is Carom?
Carom seeds, also known as ajwain, are the seeds of the ajwain plant (Trachyspermum ammi), which is native to India and the Middle East. The seeds are small, oval, and have a pungent, thyme-like aroma and a strong, bitter flavour.
Is Carom vegan?
Carom is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Carom a major allergen?
Carom seeds are not one of the 14 major allergens that require mandatory labelling in the UK.
What is Carom used for?
Carom seeds are primarily used as a spice and flavouring agent in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in savoury dishes like curries, lentil preparations, and snacks.
Is Carom safe?
Carom is not an authorised food additive in the UK.
Why it's used
Carom seeds are primarily used as a spice and flavouring agent in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in savoury dishes like curries, lentil preparations, and snacks. They can be used whole or ground, and are often added to marinades and spice mixes to impart a distinctive aromatic taste.
Health notes
Carom is not an authorised food additive in the UK. It is commonly used as a culinary spice. Some traditional medicinal uses have been reported, but robust scientific evidence to support specific health claims is limited. EFSA has not evaluated carom as a food additive. There is no regulatory assessment for carom as a food additive in the UK.
Allergen info
Carom seeds are not one of the 14 major allergens that require mandatory labelling in the UK. Not a major allergen.
Foods that contain Carom
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