Everything about Indian cardamom - Natural cardamom varieties and benefits| Significance of Indian cardamom in world market

Cardamom is found to be one of the earliest in the world which is native to the thick evergreen forests of western ghats in South India as a wild crop. Later on it is cultivated as a commercial crop in South India, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Laos and Cambodia. Cardamom is praised as the "grains of paradise" or "Queen of spices". Types of Cardamom:rnBotanically, this cardamom belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and consists of two genera namely Elettaria and Amomum. Of these Elettaria cardamomum is referred as green cardamom or true cardamom or Indian cardamom and Amomum subulatum as black cardamom or Nepal cardamom.rnCertain features are common to both the genus Elettaria and Amomum. Both possess small deep- brown aromatic seeds contained in a three sided pod with thin, however tough, papery outer sheath. The seeds are arranged as three vertical double rows with six seeds in each row. Each seed is enveloped by a thin, delicate, transparent membrane. Both of them differ in the size and color of the outer pod. Elettaria is found to be small and light green in color whereas Amomum is relatively large measuring about 2-4 cm in length and 1-2 cm in diameter and deep brown in color. Nutrition File:rnThe nutritional composition of cardamom per 100 gram is 311 Kcal of energy, 68.47 gram of carbohydrate, 10.76 gram of protein, 6.7 gram of total fat and 28 gram of dietary fiber. In addition to this cardamom is the source of the vitamins like niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin A and C. Minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, copper, manganese, phosphorus and zinc are also found in cardamom. Elements behind the rich aroma:rnThe spicy flavor and aroma of the Indian green cardamom is attributed to the essential oil present in it. The essential oils are volatile in nature and it is the reason behind the loss of flavor and spiciness in cardamom when it is stored as seeds without pods or when crushed. The essential oils found in cardamom are α and β- pinene, sabinene, myrcene, β-phellandrene, limonene, 1, 8-cineole, terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linalool, linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-oil, α-terpineol, α-terpineol acetate, citronellol, nerol, geraniol, methyl eugenol, and trans-nerolidol. Culinary and medical use:rnCardamom coffee concoction called as "gahwa" is a sign of respect for guests in the Arab countries. In India best quality cardamom is used both in sweet and masala dishes for its refreshing flavor. The outer layer itself provides a unique flavor when brewed tea with it. It's been an important ingredient for garam masala to enhance the flavor. Good quality cardamom which is freshly ground would do wonders in the sweet dishes like Kheer, phirni, halwa and porridge with its distinctive flavor.rnIndian green cardamom is also known for its medicinal properties in ayurvedic medicinal preparations. Cardamom is a good carminative, which helps to reduce the gas. Used widely as a mouth freshener just by chewing it. Cardamom is also known to have aphrodisiac properties and used for such medicinal preparations. It is an effective expectorant and decongestant, thereby useful in treating respiratory illness. It could counter the acidity and enhance the appetite. Trade value of Indian green cardamom: Cardamom is one of the most expensive spices in the world market. Best quality Indian cardamom varieties have a high value in the market. Indian green cardamom is of three major varieties viz., Malabar, Mysore and Vazhukka. All of these are cultivated in the lower hill slopes of Tamilnadu, Kerala and karnataka. In the international markets, Indian cardamom is instantly known by its three different grade names viz.,rnAlleppey Green Extra Bold (AGEB)rnAlleppey Green Bold (AGB) rnAlleppey Green Superior (AGS)rnIndia is the traditional exporter of cardamom to Middle east countries, Japan and Russia due to its unique refreshing flavor. For more info Visit: http://www.arogiyamstores.com/index.phprn