Cardamom plants normally start bearing capsules from the third year of planting. The capsules are plucked manually by hand. After harvest, cardamom capsules are processed.
How do you pluck cardamom?
If left a little longer on the clump, the pods will explode and spread their seeds. So harvest them before they crack open. You don’t need special tools to harvest the pods. Just pull them with your hand and snap the stem holding the pod.
What part of the cardamom plant is used?
pods
What is Cardamom? Cardamom is a spice made from the seeds of two different species in the genera Elettaria and Amomum in the family Zingiberaceae. The spice is made from the seeds which are found in small, thin pods. The pods have triangular cross section and a paper-like outer covering.
How do I crop cardamom?
Cardamom is propagated mainly through seeds and also through suckers each consisting of atleast one old and a young aerial shoot. Seedlings are normally raised in primary and secondary nurseries. Raised beds are prepared after digging the land to a depth of 30-45cm.
How does cardamom plant look?
Stems are rigid and erect, forming an inverted skirt around the plant. The flowers are tiny, but pretty, in either white with yellow or red but another form of the plant may also produce black, white, or red pods. The pods are crushed open to reveal tiny black seeds, the source of cardamom spice.
How do you use cardamom leaves?
Taste Friends
Cardamom Leaves makes an excellent addition to drinks, for instance in a fresh-tasting infusion or mixed with gin. The leaves can also be used in sauces or stocks. The product also combines very well with fish. Warming the leaves will bring out the best of its flavour.
How long does it take to harvest cardamom?
Harvesting and processing. Cardamom plants start bearing two or three years after planting suckers or seedlings, respectively. The capsules ripen within a period of 120-135 days after its formation. Harvesting period commences from June-July and continues till January-February in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
What happens if you eat cardamom everyday?
It may lower blood pressure, improve breathing and aid weight loss. What’s more, animal and test-tube studies show that cardamom may help fight tumors, improve anxiety, fight bacteria and protect your liver, though the evidence in these cases is less strong.
Are cardamom pods poisonous?
Is cardamom poisonous? No. Cardamom seeds are safe to consume and are a prized spice.
How do you dry cardamom at home?
Traditionally, cardamom capsules are spread on a concrete floor to dry using the natural heat from the sun. The capsules should be placed away from direct sunlight to preserv the green colour (strong sunlight will make the colour fade).
How do you increase cardamom yield?
At a time when many cardamom farmers in Kerala are incurring an expenditure of nearly Rs. 7-8 lakh annually towards input cost, Mr. Paulose in Idukki district incurs less than 50 per cent of normal expenses to manage his entire 40-acre farm.
In which season cardamom is grown?
The flowering season is April to May, and after swelling in August and September, by the first half of October usually attain the desired degree of ripening. The crop is accordingly gathered in October and November, and in exceptionally moist weather, the harvest protracts into December.
Which country produces best cardamom?
Guatemala was the leading producer of cardamom, which accounted for more than 55% of the global production in 2019. Asian countries such as Indonesia, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are also some of the other major producers of cardamom.
How big does a cardamom plant grow?
6 – 15 ft. tall
How to Grow Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
| Botanical Name | Elettaria cardamomum |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Herbaceous, evergreen, rhizomatous perennial |
| Mature Size | 6 – 15 ft. tall, 4 – 10 ft. wide outdoors, 2 – 4 ft. tall indoors |
| Sun Exposure | Part to full shade |
| Soil Type | Loam |
Is cardamom a tree or shrub?
cardamom, also spelled cardamon, spice consisting of whole or ground dried fruits, or seeds, of Elettaria cardamomum, a herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). The seeds have a warm, slightly pungent, and highly aromatic flavour somewhat reminiscent of camphor.
Are cardamom pods the same as cardamom seeds?
Cardamom pods have 8 to 16 seeds that are ground and used as seasonings. The flavor of cardamom comes from its seeds, so both the pods and seeds share the same flavor when it’s fresh. However, storing these incorrectly may result in flavor loss.
Are cardamom leaves edible?
Cardamom edible leaves are most commonly used in a dried state and should be removed from the dish before consumption. They are mainly used for flavouring stews, soups and curries. Furthermore, dried Cardamom leaves can be used as a substitute for Bay Leaves in a variety of recipes.
Can we use cardamom leaves in tea?
Cardamom black tea is the most simple type of chai tea you can make at home. Brew a cup of strong tea using Assam black tea leaves mixed with slightly crushed cardamom pods. Strain, add the milk if needed and serve.
What is false cardamom?
False Cardamom is a great evergreen ginger, fantastic for filling mid-ground spaces in tropical or subtropical gardens. There are two species that share the common name of False Cardamom – Alpinia nutans and Alpinia mutica.
Is cardamom a herb or spice?
Cardamom is a spice in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) recognizable by its trigonal pod husks containing small black seeds. While native to subtropical Asia and a prominent ingredient in Indian cuisine, modern-day cardamom is also produced in Guatemala, Malaysia, and Tanzania.
How do you dry cardamom pods?
Traditionally, cardamom capsules are spread on a concrete floor to dry using the natural heat from the sun. The capsules should be placed away from direct sunlight to preserve the green colour (strong sunlight will make the colour fade).
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.