Cardamom
Elettaria cardamomum

Cardamom is a rich spice culled from the seed of a perennial plant called "elettaria." Difficult to grow, elettarias do best in tropical climates which receive up to 150 inches of water a year. These special spice-bearing plants are largely cultivated in Guatemala now, but they are native to India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The central ingredient in Indian curries, cardamom also flavors coffees, pastries, breads, fruits and pickles. Herbal lore on this exotic spice suggests it can be used to freshen your breath and support smooth digestion.

Commonly called: cardamom