Cardamom: A Leading Spice Crop for Food, Flavor, and Health

In India, cardamom is one among the important spice crops cultivated. It is one of the most consumed and traded commodities in the world. India holds second position in production of cardamom in the world after Guatemala. In the recent past, there is much fluctuation in the cardamom prices, and it is labor-intensive crop so there is decline in the cardamom area and production. In the world after saffron and vanilla cardamom is third most expensive spice. Cardamom is valued for its flavor and pungency. α-terpinyl acetate and 1,8-cineole are the two important active ingredients which produce characteristic aroma in cardamom. It is one of the important ingredients in many Indian cuisines. It finds place in ancient as well as modern medicines due to its immense medicinal properties. By seeing all the benefits and uses of cardamom, thrust has to be given for increasing the production and productivity of cardamom which ultimately helps India to become world leader in cardamom production.