Cardamom – The Queen of Spices is one of the most valued and fragrant spices produced in the state of Kerala, situated on the southwest coast of India. It is famous for its unique, aromatic taste and has been given the title of the "Queen of Spices" because of its rich aroma, subtle flavor, and its high demand in both culinary and medicinal purposes. Kerala, being best suited for a climate and lands, is globally acclaimed for providing some of the best cardamom in the world. Kerala cardamom is generally considered to be the best quality cardamom in the world. It is normally found in the green variety (Elettaria cardamomum), which is smaller and more aromatic than other varieties, such as the black cardamom. The international market for Kerala cardamom remains on the rise, fuelled by its high quality and the distinctive flavour that it adds to numerous foods and products.
The geographic peculiarity of Kerala, makes it an ideal place well-suited for cardamom cultivation. The tropical conditions of the area suit the spice, and Kerala's heavy rain, moderate temperature, and porous soil are optimal for its growth. The highest and hill parts of Kerala in Idukki, Wayanad, and Malabar provide the finest setting for cultivating cardamom. The rich, volcanic nature of the land there is dense with nutrients which go towards creating the high-quality spice.
The altitude of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level provides a cool, humid climate, which is essential for the cultivation of quality cardamom. The foggy mornings and lower temperatures aid in improving the flavour and aromatic oils of the spice, and Kerala cardamom is considered among the finest in the world.
The cardamom grown in Kerala is famous for its intense flavour and scent. The spice also has a diverse profile with a sweet, pungent, citrus, floral flavour, together with a lingering touch of eucalyptus. A fresh, floral scent is emanated from the small green capsules, and it tastes aromatic but slightly spicy and is a perfect ingredient for savoury as well as sweet dishes.
It is the presence of the essential oils in the Kerala cardamom that contributes to its distinct fragrance, and they occur abundantly in fresh pods. The cardamom produced from Kerala is deemed high quality as local farmers harvest them carefully and use specific processing steps.
Cardamom has been in use for ages in Ayurvedic medicine due to its medicinal uses. Kerala cardamom is particularly prized for its medicinal advantages, which include:
Cardamom has played an integral role in Indian culture for centuries. Cardamom is not just used in recipes in Kerala, but it is also used in religious rituals, providing a link to spiritual practice. It formed part of the ancient spice route and was historically traded, and Kerala has been famous for centuries for exporting cardamom to distant regions such as the Middle East, Europe, and further afield.