Botanical Overview
Scientific Name: Elettaria cardamomum
Family: Zingiberaceae (ginger family)
Common Names: True cardamom, Chhoti elaichi (Hindi), Green cardamom
Physical Characteristics
Pods: Small, green, spindle-shaped capsules with thin outer skin
Seeds: Tiny black or brown seeds inside the pod, highly aromatic
Size: Typically 8–20 mm long
Color: Bright green when fresh and properly dried (a sign of quality)
Aroma: Sweet, spicy, and slightly eucalyptus-like
Flavor: Warm, slightly pungent, with notes of lemon and mint
Cultivation
Climate: Thrives in tropical climates with high humidity and shade
Growing Regions: Primarily grown in India (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu), Guatemala, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania
Harvesting Season: Generally between August and December
Uses
Culinary:
Flavoring for tea (chai), sweets, curries, and rice dishes
Ingredient in spice blends like garam masala
Medicinal:
Aids digestion, treats bad breath, relieves cold symptoms
Aromatic:
Used in perfumes, incense, and essential oils
Grades and Quality
Graded based on size, color, and aroma
Popular grades include:
8 mm+ (extra bold)
7–8 mm (bold)
6–7 mm (super)
Below 6 mm (lower grades)
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