Cardamom is a tall herbaceous perennial, with branching subterranean root stock, belonging to the ginger family. Main origins are India and Guatemala. Cardamom is strictly a tropical crop that requires a moderately warm climate with a mean annual temperature of about 72 fahrenheit and 100 to 160 inches of rainfall. Today
the most important grades of cardamom are the seeds
and the green- and coloured mixed varieties.
Cardamom of commerce is the dried ripe fruit (capsules of
cardamom plant) often referred as the “Queen of Spices” because of its
very pleasant aroma and taste. Cardamom is a perennial, herbaceous,
rhizomatous plant. Based on the nature of panicles, three varieties are
recognized viz. Malabar with prostrate panicle, Mysore with erect panicle,
and Vazhukka with semi erect panicle. Plants are of medium size (2 to 3
mtr height) with pubescent leaves (on the dorsal side) and fruits globose
in the case of Malabar, whereas plant robust (3 to 4 mtr height) with
leaves glabrous on both sides with ovoid capsules in the case of Mysore.
Vazhukka variety is a mix of both the above in physical characteristics.
Indian cardamom is offered to the international markets in different grades: 'Alleppey Green Extra Bold' (AGEB), 'Alleppey Green Bold' (AGB) and 'Alleppey Green Superior' (AGS) are names that register instant appeal worldwide. Cardamom oil is a precious ingredient in food preparations, perfumery, health foods medicines and beverages. India, a traditional exporter of cardamom to the Middle East countries where it goes mostly into the preparation of 'Gahwa' - a strong cardamom - coffee concoction without which no day is complete or no hospitality hearty for an Arab. Indian cardamom enjoys a premium preference in the Middle East, Japanese and Russians who relish it for its distinct enriching properties.
Origin and
Distribution
Cultivation of cardamom is mostly concentrated
in the ever green forests of Western Ghats in South India. Besides India,
cardamom is grown as a commercial crop in Guatemala and on small scale in
Tanzania, Sri Lanka, El Salvador, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia,
Honduras, and Papua & New Guinea. The optimum altitudinal range on
growing cardamom is 600 to 1500 mtr above MsL. The cardamom growing
regions of South India lies within 8 - 30 degree N latitudes and 75-78
degree longitudes.
Uses
The major use is for the preparation of ‘gahwa’ – a strong
cardamom coffee concoction which is a symbol for hospitality among Arabs.
Apart from this cardamom is widely used as a flavouring material in whole
and ground form. In Asia, it can add a lingering sparkle to every kind of
dishes both traditional and modern. In Scandinavian countries it is used
in baked goods and confectionaries. In Europe and North America it is an
ingredient in curry powder and in some sausages products.
Cardamom oil and oleoresin has applications in flavouring
processed foods, cordials, and liquors and in perfumery and in Ayurvedic
medicines.
PACKING :
a) Paper Bag, Jute Bags and Gunny Bags
b) Container
Load :
13 MT per 20'
Container Load
26 MT per 40'
Container Load
As per Buyer's requirements and
Specifications i.e. under buyer Company's Logo/ Brand. Company
details are printed on bags, as per design and graphics to be
supplied by the buyer. |
