Cardamom
Cardamom is reffered to as the Queen of spices because of its
pleasent aroma and taste, It is one of the exotic and costly spices
in the world. Cardamom is grown in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and
Karnataka. Indian cardamom is parrot green colour and is unique in
its aroma, flavour and size. It is an important ingredient of garam
masala, a combination of other spices used for many vegetarian and
non-vegetarian dishes.The fragrance of cardamom is recognized all
over the world.
Cardamom has a strong, unique taste, and an intensely aromatic
fragrance. Black cardamom has a distinctly more astringent aroma,
though not bitter, and has a coolness similar to mint. It is a
common ingredient in Indian cooking. It is used for baking the
Finnish sweet-bread pulla in Nordic countries. It is one of the
most expensive spices by weight.
The cardamom plant is a tropical herb plant and has a long life
span and takes around two years to mature. It is very sensitive to
climate and the output of the crop largely depends on it. It
requires plenty of sunshine and right amount of rainfall. Loamy
soil enriched with organic matter is ideal for cardamom. Moderate
shade is an important factor for increasing the cardamom
yield.
Cardamom plant has dark green long leaves and has long flowering
stalk bearing fruits that are pale green or yellowish in color. It
is elongated in shape. When ripe, the fruits are used as spice and
flavoring agent. The cardamom plant is considered matured for
harvest when the cardamom seeds turn black or brown though the tree
is still green. The world production of this spice could be
anywhere around 35000 metric tons per annum. Indian cardamom enjoys
a premium preference in the Middle East, Japan and Russian where it
is relished for its distinct and unique enriching
properties.
Indian Cardamom
Indian cardamom export registered phenomenal growth of 296 per cent
in volume and 175 per cent in value aiding the spice export to
increase nine per cent in volume and 43 per cent in rupee terms
compared with previous year.
Cardamom exports totalled 4,650 tonnes, valued at Rs 363.22
crore.
A quantity of 935 tonnes of large cardamom valued Rs 68.30 crore
was exported, up 21 per cent in volume and 53 per cent in value
than the previous year. The UAE, the UK, Pakistan and Kuwait were
the major importers of cardamom.
Indian cardamom is known world wide for its quality and is exported
to various countries. Three grades in which Indian cardamom are
popular in the International market. 'Aleppey green Extra Bold'
(AGEB), '' Alleppey Green Bold' (AGB) and 'Alleppey Green Superior'
(AGS). The Indian State of Kerala accounts for 70% of Indian
cardamom in India.
