Common Name: Chhoti elaichi, Elaychi
Botanical Name: Elettaria cardamomum Maton
Family Name: Zingiberaceae
Parts Use: Fruit (Capsule)

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. 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 flavoring 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 confectioneries. In Europe and North America it is an ingredient in curry powder and in some sausages products.

Cardamom oil and oleoresin has applications in flavoring processed foods, cordials, and liquors and in perfumery and in Ayurvedic medicines.