HERBAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS - 30. Elletaria cardamomum (Cardamom)

Cardamom is among the world's oldest spices, and is the third most expensive spice following saffron and vanilla. The name Cardamom is used for herbs within two genera of the ginger family Elettaria (small Cardamom) and Amomum (large Cardamom). Both varieties take the form of a small seedpod, triangular in cross-section and spindle shaped, with a thin papery outer shell and small black seeds. Elettaria pods are light green in color, while Amomum pods are larger and dark brown.