|
Cardamom Elettaria cardamomum a.k.a. sometimes erroniously referred to as cardamon Herbaceous perennial related to ginger. Ornate white-purple-yellow
flowers are followed by small fruits containing seeds with aromatic
oils. The seeds are proccessed and are an important spice.
|
|
|
Uses |
|
Seeds are dried, ground, and used as a food flavoring. Cardamom is an important economic crop and is a highly valued spice. After drying, seeds tend to lose their taste and aromaticity quickly, therefore full seeds are the preffered use. |
|
|
Plant Cultivation |
| Herbaceous shrub to 7-10ft. There are a number
of false cardamoms, but the true cardamom is a subtropical or tropical
shrub preffering warm temperatures and year-round water. Plants may
quickly reproduce from rhizomes if given adequate space. Will take very
brief frosts, but plants also grow well in warm, humid areas. All plant
parts are aromatic. |
|
|
Origin and Distribution |
|
Native to Southern India and Sri Lanka. |
|
|
Related Species |
