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