The small fruit pods are pale brown and have an oval shape, resembling caraway and cumin. It is often called "carom seeds" or "bishops weed."

It has a bitter and pungent taste, with a flavor similar to anise and oregano. The seeds smell almost like thyme because it also contains thymol, but is more aromatic and less subtle in taste, as well as slightly bitter and pungent. Even a small amount of ajwain seeds tend to dominate the flavor of a dish.