Malabar Cardamom: The Green Jewel of the Western Ghats

Malabar Cardamom, also known as true cardamom, is one of the world’s most prized spices, originating from the lush, tropical forests of India’s Western Ghats. Known for its rich aroma and vibrant green pods, Malabar Cardamom holds a special place in culinary traditions, traditional medicine, and the global spice trade.

Origin and Cultivation

Malabar Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is indigenous to the southern part of India, particularly the Malabar region of Kerala. The plant thrives in the shaded undergrowth of moist, elevated tropical forests between 600–1,500 meters above sea level.

The region’s high humidity, rich organic soil, and consistent rainfall provide ideal conditions for cultivating cardamom. Farmers carefully harvest the pods by hand just before they ripen, ensuring maximum flavor retention.

Characteristics of Malabar Cardamom

Malabar Cardamom is distinguished by:

• Slender, elongated green pods

• Small, dark brown seeds inside each pod

• A fresh, sweet, and slightly menthol-like aroma

• A flavor that is warm, citrusy, and subtly spicy

Compared to other varieties like Mysore or Guatemalan cardamom, Malabar has a more refined, delicate flavor, making it especially suited for culinary and medicinal use.

Culinary Uses

Malabar Cardamom is a staple in Indian cuisine. It is used to flavor:

• Curries and rice dishes like biryani and pulao

• Indian desserts such as kheer, gulab jamun, and halwa

• Chai (spiced tea), where it imparts a fragrant depth

• Baked goods and spice blends in Middle Eastern and Scandinavian cooking

When ground, it adds a luxurious note to spice blends like garam masala and is often paired with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.

Medicinal and Aromatic Benefits

In Ayurvedic and traditional medicine, Malabar Cardamom is valued for its healing properties. It is believed to:

• Aid in digestion

• Relieve nausea and bad breath

• Help reduce inflammation and respiratory congestion

• Possess antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities

Its essential oil is used in perfumes, oral hygiene products, and therapeutic aromatherapy.

Economic and Cultural Importance

India is one of the top producers and exporters of green cardamom, with Malabar being a highly sought-after variety. The cultivation of cardamom supports thousands of smallholder farmers and contributes significantly to the rural economy in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.