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When it comes to Kerala plantations, cardamom plantations are something that is worth mentioning. In general, there are only three varieties of cardamom plants. Amongst these, Malabar is commonly found in Kerala. Malabar variety has panicles that grow horizontally in the ground. The fruit case of cardamom encloses the seeds. The seeds are dried so as to be used as spice. Grown in tropical rainforest of Kerala, its seeds can either be chewed raw or added to sweets, wines and food preparations.
Cardamom is basically used as a flavoring ingredient in food as well as drink. Besides being a cooking spice, it is also known for its medicinal properties. Malyalees call it by the name of ‘Elakkai’. Green cardamom grown in South Asia is used for treating infections in gums and teeth, for preventing lungs congestion, throat problems, digestive disorders, swelling of eyelids, and pulmonary eyelids. It is used for breaking up gall stones and kidney stones as well.
Cardamom plants:
Cardamoms are grown in large scale in the Vandanmedu, Kattappana and Murikkady hills. Tea plants need sunshine for their growth, but then, cardamom plants grow under shade. Cardamom plantations are similar to woodland gardens with “bamboo-palm-like” shrubs covering the grounds. At the end of these shrubs, you’ll find clusters of fruits, similar to the size of an almond. Cardamom plantation in India requires plenty of water for its growth and development. Proper irrigation systems are needed for storing the water obtained from rain, particularly during the monsoon season.
The botanical name of this plant is plant is Elettaria cardamomum. Cardamom oils are used in perfumes, toothpaste, food preparations, and medicines. The spice is also used as a mouth freshener and adds to coffee and tea for its medicinal properties and aroma. So, make sure to visit the Cardamom plantations on your Kerala backwater tour.
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