Cardamom

Cardamom is a native plant of parts of India, Sri Lanka and parts of southeast Asia, where it occurs in the wild. It has been introduced to other parts of Asia and is widely grown for its aromatic seeds.
A lithograph with watercolour of cardamom roots, mid 19th century.
Valuable spice
Cardamom is the third most expensive spice in the world.
Cardamom Hills
Cardamom plants are native to the Western Ghats of southern India. Until 200 years ago when cardamom was developed as a crop by the colonies, the world's supply relied entirely on this wild source. Today cardamom is often intercropped with other plants.
Versatile flavour
Cardamom is versatile spice for both sweet and savoury foods. The whole or ground seeds add a characteristic taste to meat, vegetables, breads, sweets and drinks. Essential oil and oleoresin are even extracted from the seeds for their use in processed foods.
Traditional remedy
Cardamom is traditionally used to treat skin conditions and aid digestion.