Inch-long (2.5 cm) brown, ribbed woody capsules contain many small seeds that have properties similar to true cardamom. The seeds are used in sweetmeats as an inexpensive substitute.
Cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum, native to India, is a coarse, large-leafed perennial spice of warm climates that has been exported to Europe since the Roman period. Fruits with paper-thin husks are one-half to two inches in length. They are gathered before ripening and sun-dried. Often they are exposed to sulfur fumes to bleach them to a paler shade.
An ingredient in curry powders and garam masala, they are valued by Bedouins to flavor coffee . They are also used extensively in incenses, perfumes and medicines. Cardamom seeds, a symbol of hospitality, are strung in garlands in parts of India.11
In another part of the world the Danish people choose them for their fancy breads.
| Country people of India string 3/4-inch long (2 cm) cardamom fruits into necklaces | |
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Nepal cardamom, Amomum subulatum, a tall perennial herb grows in
the wetlands of mountainous India, Sikkim and Nepal.
Inch-long (2.5 cm) brown, ribbed woody capsules contain many small seeds that have properties similar to true cardamom. The seeds are used in sweetmeats as an inexpensive substitute. |
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