Description
Green cardamom, also known as small cardamom or true cardamom, is a spice derived from the seeds of the Elettaria cardamomum plant. It is characterized by its distinctive aroma, sweet and slightly citrusy flavor, and a slightly spicy taste. The seeds are enclosed within a thin, triangular, green pod.Â
Key Characteristics and Specifications:
- Botanical Name:Â Elettaria cardamomum Maton.Â
- Origin:Â TanzaniaÂ
- Appearance:
- Pod: Triangular, spindle-shaped, with a thin, papery outer shell.Â
- Seeds: Small, dark reddish brown to black, and hard.Â
- Pod: Triangular, spindle-shaped, with a thin, papery outer shell.Â
- Aroma:Â Highly aromatic, sweet, spicy, with subtle woody and slightly minty notes.Â
- Taste:Â Sweet, slightly spicy, with a distinctive cardamom flavor.Â
- Color:
- Pods: Typically green when fresh, but may turn brown or yellow as they dry.Â
- Seeds: Dark brown to black.Â
- Pods: Typically green when fresh, but may turn brown or yellow as they dry.Â
- Size:Â Seeds are typically 2-4mm in diameter.Â
- Usage:
- Used whole or ground in various cuisines, including Indian, Middle Eastern, and Nordic.Â
- Adds flavor to sweet and savory dishes, coffee, tea, and traditional medicines.Â
- Used whole or ground in various cuisines, including Indian, Middle Eastern, and Nordic.Â
- Microbiological Standards:Â Green cardamom is subject to quality control checks for microbiological contaminants, including total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms, E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae, and Staphylococcus aureus.Â
Other Considerations:
- Potency: The strength of the flavor and aroma is related to the color and aroma of the pods and seeds. Pale or tan seeds may indicate staleness.Â
- Purity:Â Green cardamom should be free of foreign materials and adulterants.Â
- Moisture Content:Â The moisture content is typically specified to ensure proper storage and shelf life.Â
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Botanical and Physical Properties:
- Plant:Â Elettaria cardamomum, a perennial herb in the Zingiberaceae family.Â
- Fruit:Â Oval-shaped capsules containing 15-20 dark reddish brown to black seeds.Â
- Seed:Â Small, dark-colored seeds with a strong, aromatic smell.Â
- Color:Â The pods and seeds are typically dark grey to black in color.Â
- Aroma:Â Strong, distinctly cardamom, and free from any off-putting odors.Â
- Taste:Â Sweet, spicy, and free from unpleasant flavors.Â
- Size:Â Seeds are typically 2-4 mm in size.Â
- Moisture:Â Maximum 11%.
- Total Ash:Â Maximum 8%.
- Acid Insoluble Ash:Â Maximum 1%.
- Steam Volatile Oil:Â Minimum 4%.
- Microbiological:Â Specific limits for Total Plate Count (TPC), Salmonella, Yeast & Mould (Y&M), Coliforms, E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae, and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Mycotoxins:Â Product is routinely checked for Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin and complies with destination country regulations.Â
- Plant:Â Elettaria cardamomum, a perennial herb in the Zingiberaceae family.Â







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