Cardamom
Cardamom is a spice with green seed pods full of black or brown seeds. Cardamom was originally grown in the western ghats area also known as the cardamom hills of Southern Indian State of Kerala. Cardamom is one of the ancient spices and also one among the costliest spices. Cardamom is yielded from the plant Elettaria cardamomum. The pods are picked from the plants when ripe and are processed to retain the aroma and color. Now cardamom is grown in different parts across differnt countries.
Uses of Cardamom
Cardamom find its use in the preparation of gahwa the arabian aromatic coffee brew which is part of Arabian hospitality symbolising the guest is revered and honoured. In prepation of flavoured tea or masala tea few seeds are added in preparation which gives the wonderful taste. Its an ingredient in many food preparations in different parts of world, especially Asian countries. Its a flavor ingredient in many of confectioneries and baked foods Cardamom oil and oleoresin is an active flavouring component in many of processed foods, liquors and perfumery. Uses are wide and varied and differs across the world. You too can contribute with those not mentioned here.
Plant
Cardamom is a rhizomic perennial plant with large tuberous rhizomes, which normally grow to a height of 2 to 4 metres, long leaves of about half metre. Cardamom is grown under shades and for this reason the cardamom plantation resembles thick forests. Flowers are white with shades of pink
Cardamom bears fruits on panicles.
Cardamom is the fruit or seedpods with triangular cross section.
These seedpods are picked when ripe for further processing.
Process |
Cardamom is picked from the plants when ripe. The same is processed by drying under controller conditions. Cardamom with light green colored pods when dried is considered to be of superior quality. For this reason cardamom is dried gradually under controller conditions to retain its aroma and color. Cardamom is then inspected and sorted for the quality and needs proper packing to retain its quality. |