I used ajowan seeds in a batch of Bruce Edwards' base I made yesterday and they did make a difference.
However, I wouldn't describe the raw seed smell as musty. It's a nice fragrant smell, though very 'un-Indian' by coriander and cumin standards 
The base sauce made a pretty decent curry, too.
Hi Snowdog and MarkJ,
Thanks for your views on the use of Ajwain (lovage) seeds in the Curry Base. I've since seen that Bruce Edward's considers it "an essential ingredient" in the base

I also see that Pat Chapman uses a Bruce Edward's curry base (including the Ajwain seeds) in his book "Vindaloo and Other Hot Curries". In which case, I must also have used them before because I've previously made this base.....although I didn't think much on it.
I've already made Ifindforu's curry base without Ajwain seeds. I think I'll now make it again, with them, to determine the difference

Snowdog......when I was a boy :

, I used to collect caterpillars and stick them in a jar with dandelion leaves

. The smell of Ajwain seeds reminds me of the smell that would develop in the jar!

;D .......but I've yet to find anyone who knows what the hell I'm on about!!!
