Cardamom

Cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum, is a herbaceous, perennial plant of the family Zingiberaceae. Its seeds are used as a spice which are obtained from the dried fruit of the plant which is also called as Pod. Cardamom Pod is recognized by its triangular cross-section and spindle-shape, with a thin, papery outer shell and small, black/brown seeds inside. Green cardamom is one of the most expensive spices. It is used as a mouth fresher, as a cooking spice, in sweet and savory dishes, in flavoring coffee and tea and in traditional medicines as well.

Cardamom is one of the world’s very ancient spices. It is native to the East originating in the forests of the western ghats in southern India, where it grows wild. Cardamom is an expensive spice. Cardamom an intensively aromatic and resinous fragrance is also referred to as “Queen of Spices”. India has both small and large cardamom under its production. Small cardamom is of high demand throughout the year. Green cardamom is one of the more expensive spices by weight, but little is needed to impart flavor. It is best stored in the pod as exposed or ground seeds quickly lose their flavor. Grinding the pods and seeds together lowers both the quality and the price.

We offer the best quality of the fresh green cardamom which is also popularly known as Elachi. With brilliant flavoring characteristics, the cardamom finds its place in several dishes, flavored tea, chocolates etc. Moreover, it has numerous medicinal values and effectively treats nausea, mouth ulcers and various types of respiratory allergies, prevents spasms or convulsions and improves digestion.

Cardamom has a strong, unique taste with intensely aromatic fragrance. We offer Indian Green Cardamom seeds, which are highly demanded and widely used all across the globe.

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.

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.

Green Cardamom Specifications

Mycotoxins

Product is routinely checked for Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin and it complies with the regulations of the destination country.

GM declaration

To the best of our knowledge this product is non-GM and does not contain GM processing agents. This has been verified by organic certification and by traceability/identity preservation systems including adequate separation.

Allergens statement

Free of any known Allergens.

Nutrition Facts Green Cardamom per 100 gram

Shelf life

Products are supplied with a minimum of 24 months to recommended shelf life (shown on product label) when stored sealed in original packaging under proper storage conditions. To maintain the product in best condition it is advisable to protect it from exposure to pests and extremes of moisture, light and temperature.

Product packaging

20 – 25 kg, PP Kraft Bags with heat sealed inner poly liner or standard in 1 to 5 kg PP bags with master carton of 40kg/box or as per customer requirements

Other options can be suggested.

Any other mandatory requirements will be complying to the respective regulations of the destination country.

Note

1 Testing shall be with reference to the methods prescribed in the manuals of ASTA, ESA, AOAC.

2 Testing shall be with reference to the methods prescribed in the manuals of USDA BAM, AOAC.

3 These tests are performed when required. Certificates of Conformance are available on request.

USES :

• Cardamom is said to help lower blood pressure levels. This is most probably due to its antioxidant and diuretic properties.
• Cardamom also has some antioxidant compounds that may help protect cells from damage and slow down and prevent inflammation in your body.
• Cardamom is also used to treat bad breath and is a common component of some chewing gums. This may be because Cardamom kills common mouth bacteria and prevents cavities.
• The essential oils and extracts of cardamom are said to be effective against a variety of bacterial strains that contribute to fungal infections, food poisoning and stomach issues. But more research in this field is required.

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.

Health benefits of Cardamom

1. This exotic spice contains numerous phytonutrients that are known to have anti-oxidant, disease-preventing, and health-promoting properties.
2. Cardamom pods carry many essential volatile oilsthat include pinene, sabinene, myrcene, phellandrene, limonene, 1, 8-cineole, terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linalool, linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-oil, a-terpineol, a-terpineol acetate, citronellol, nerol, geraniol, methyl eugenol, and trans-nerolidol.
3. Cardamom essential oil has many therapeutic properties and found application in many traditional medicines as antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, and tonic.
4. Cardamom is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. 100 g pods contain 1119 mg of this electrolyte. Potassium is an important component of cells and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. The human body uses copper for the production of red blood cells.
5. Additionally, it is also an excellent source of iron and 100 g pods contain 13.97 mg or 175% of the daily required levels of iron. Iron is required for red blood cell formation and cellular metabolism. Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme, superoxide dismutase, a potent free-radical scavenger.
6. Further, these aromatic pods are rich in many vital vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C which is essential for optimum health.

Culinary uses

In general, cardamom seeds are one of the most sought-after ingredients in sweet and dessert preparations. Split open the pod to remove seeds with fingers or using a small knife. The seeds are then crushed (powdered) using a pestle/mortar or hand-mill just before their addition to cooking. Often, whole pods are preferred in savory dishes, which give a further punch to the recipe since their peel also contains significant amounts of precious essential oils.

Special remarks

The content of this specification is based on typical information for this product and results obtained from our own due diligence sampling, assessment, and testing protocols, in addition to any testing/sampling that has been undertaken by our supplier.

However, due to the nature of this product, which is not completely homogenous, test results are indicative / referral and may not be entirely representative of the product throughout the lot. In addition, the content of this Specification does not confirm or ensure that the product is safe for all intended uses.

Our quality and technical documentation does not relieve the customer of their responsibilities to check that the goods supplied are suitable and considered safe for their intended use before purchase. The data provided is for information only.