Grreen Cardamom

Green Cardamom belongs to the family of Zingiberaceae and it belongs to the genera of Elettaria and Amomum that belonged originally to India, Nepal, Pakistan and Bhutan. The plant has small seed pods of spindle shape. The seed comprises of thin paper like outer body with small black seeds in the interior of this shell. Maximum production and export of cardamom is done by Guatemala and the second position is occupied by India. Green Cardamom is also nowadays cultivated in countries like Sri Lanka. The pods of Elettaria are light green in color whereas Amomum are dark brown in color and are bigger in size.

It is ranked as the third expensive spice in the world when it is compared in unit of weight. The first two ranks are occupied by saffron and vanilla respectively.

Varieties

Originally, there were three different types of green cardamom plants available. Below all the three kinds of cardamom have been explained:-

1. Malabar type of cardamom plants could originally be found in the state of Kerala. The shape of this plant is in form of a pinnacle that can be seen growing in horizontal in the length of the ground.
2. Mysore plant of cardamom belonged to the state of Karnataka. It rises vertically above the ground. In the current times, this variety cannot be seen much since better compliant of cardamom named “Green Gold” can be seen getting common that is mostly found cultivated in areas of Kerala.
3. Vazhuka is the amalgamation of both the Malabar and Mysore kind of cardamom and has a shrub like structure.

Uses of Cardamom

Cardamom can be used as a flavoring for both foods and drinks. It can also be used in many of the food ingredients as a spice. It is also used in preparation of many of the medicines. Green Cardamom is majorly used as a spice and as a medicine.

Food and Drink: - The flavor of Cardamom is very strong and it tastes very peculiar. It has rich aroma and the fragrance of green cardamom is magnificent. The black cardamom is majorly smokey and has a bitter taste while it has a coolness that can be compared to that of a mint.

This spice is ranked as one of the most expensive spice in terms if weight calculation. The storage of the cardamom is in form of pods since it loses its flavor once the outer shell is removed. The green cardamom is available in plenty. The cardamom loses its quality once the pods and seeds are crushed. This form of cardamom is little less expensive. It is considered that 10 full pods of green cardamom are equal to 1 and half tea spoon of the crushed cardamom.

Green cardamom is considered as one of the main ingredient used in many of the Indian dishes. In the Middle East, the usage of green cardamom is for the sweet dishes and providing flavors to coffee and tea. Cardamom is also used in crushed form with coffee to form the powdered mixture of both in preparation of coffee. In the countries of Middle East, cardamom and coffee are crushed using a wooden mortar and the cooking is done using skillet.

In southern part of Asia green cardamom is majorly used in the preparation of Indian sweets and spice tea while the use of Black cardamom is majorly used in the curries in the form of garam masala. Black cardamom is also used for garnishing the basmati rice. The seeds of Black cardamom are used for chewing just like a chewing gum. It is also used for reduce the effect bad breath. Other usage of cardamom is in preparation of gin and tisanes.

Traditional Medicine

The major usage of Cardamom is in the parts of Southern Asia for the treatment of contagion in tooth and gums. It also is beneficial for treating the problems with throat, opens up any kind of congestion in the lungs. Cardamom also benefits to those who suffer from pulmonary tuberculosis and preventing any kind of digestion related problems. People suffering from kidney stones and gall stones can also be benefitted using cardamom. China uses cardamom for preparation of few of the traditional medicines in China, Ayurvedic medicines in India and other countries.

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