Cardamom
Botanically known as Elettaria cardamomum , is a plant species in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Cardamom originally comes from tropical India and Sri Lanka. Today it is also cultivated in other tropical regions such as Guatemala, Tanzania and Indonesia.
Look
The cardamom plant is a perennial, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 4 meters tall. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves and green, panicle-like inflorescences. The fruit is a three-chambered capsule that contains small, black-brown seeds. These seeds are the actual spice carriers and are found in greenish or brownish capsules.
Taste and Aroma
Cardamom has an intense, aromatic taste with sweet, floral and slightly spicy notes. The aroma is complex and contains both spicy and lemony nuances. The essential oil in cardamom, especially cineole and terpineol, contributes significantly to its characteristic scent and taste.