Ajwain seed

1️⃣ PHYSICAL & ORGANOLEPTIC SPECIFICATIONS

ParameterSpecification (Export Grade)

Appearance: Whole, small, oval ridged seeds; characteristic shape and size

Colour:Light brown to greyish-brown / greenish-brown

Aroma: Strong, thyme-like pungent aroma

Taste: Characteristic warm, pungent flavour

Size: ~1–3 mm (typical)

Purity (Min.): ≥ 99% (Sortex & machine cleaned)

Foreign Matter: ≤ 1.0%

Damaged/Discolored Seeds: ≤ 2%

Moisture Content (Max.): ≤ 10%

Shelf Life: 12–18 months under proper storage

Notes: Purity levels can vary by contract (e.g., 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9% export grades).

2️⃣ CHEMICAL & COMPOSITION SPECIFICATIONS

ParameterSpecification

Total Ash: ≤ 8.0–9.5% max

Acid-Insoluble Ash: ≤ 1.5–2.0% max

Moisture: ≤ 10% max

Volatile/Essential Oil Content:

Thymol Content (in essential oil): ≥ ~30–50% (varies by grade)

Pesticide Residue: Compliant with international standards (EU/US/FDA)

Notes: Essential oil reflects the characteristic aroma and therapeutic value; limits may be specified in buyer contracts.

3️⃣ MICROBIOLOGICAL & SAFETY PARAMETERS

Parameter Limit (Typical Export Standard)

Salmonella: Absent (tested in 25 g minimum)

E. coli / Coliforms: Absent / Acceptable limits per importer standard

Yeast & Mold: ≤ Importer standard

Total Plate Count: ≤ Importer standard

Aflatoxins: ≤ 10 ppb (or compliance with EU/US limits)

Notes: Final microbial limits should align with importing country regulations.

4️⃣ CLEANING & PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS

✔ Machine-cleaned and sortex cleaned to remove:

• Dust, stones, broken seeds
• Foreign matter
• Insect damage and weevilled seeds

✔ Magnet separators may be used to ensure metal removal prior to packing.

5️⃣ PACKAGING SPECIFICATIONS

Primary Packaging:

• Food-grade PP/HDPE woven bags with food-safe inner liner
• Kraft/laminated paper bags with poly liner (as requested)

Standard Packing Options:

• 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg, 50 kg bags (or per buyer requirement)

Marking on Bags:

• Product Name
• Grade
• Net Weight
• Country of Origin
• Batch / Lot No.
• Exporter & Importer Information
• Handling/Storage Instruction

Container Load (Approx.):

• 20 ft: ~13–19 MT
• 40 ft: ~27 MT (varies by bag size & packing)

6️⃣ STORAGE CONDITIONS & SHELF LIFE

• Store in cool, dry place (< 25 °C), relative humidity < 65%
• Protect from direct sunlight, moisture, strong odours
• Use airtight containers to preserve aroma & oil content

Shelf life is typically 12–18 months under recommended storage.

7️⃣ DOCUMENTATION FOR EXPORT

The following documents should accompany shipment (as per buyer/import country):

✔ Commercial Invoice

✔ Packing List

✔ Certificate of Analysis (COA)

✔ Phytosanitary Certificate (if applicable)

✔ Certificate of Origin

✔ Food Safety Reports (Micro & MRL)

✔ HACCP / ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000 certification (if requested)

8️⃣ OPTIONAL CERTIFICATIONS / GRADES

• IPM Quality – Grown under Integrated Pest Management (low residues)
• Organic Certification – USDA/NPOP/EU for organic markets
• Premium / High Thymol Grade – For essential oil extraction
• Retail Pack Grades – Packed in consumer retail sizes