Elettaria

Elettaria is a genus in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. The best-known member is Elettaria cardamomum, commonly called green cardamom or true cardamom. The genus comprises several tropical, perennial herbs, of which Elettaria cardamomum is the economically important species cultivated for its aromatic seed pods.

Plants are herbaceous perennials with creeping rhizomes. They have lanceolate leaves arising from the base and inflorescences on short panicles that bear small white flowers, often with purple markings. The fruit is a small, three-lobed capsule that contains numerous seeds. Elettaria cardamomum is cultivated for its green seed capsules, which are harvested green and dried to produce the familiar spice.

Native to the forested regions of the Indian subcontinent, especially the Western Ghats, Elettaria cardamomum is now cultivated in several tropical areas. Major producers include India and Guatemala, with Sri Lanka and other tropical regions also growing the crop. The plant favors warm, humid conditions, shaded or partially shaded cultivation, and rich, well-drained soils. Harvesting is typically done by hand when pods are mature but still green, after which they are dried to preserve flavor and aroma.

Uses and significance: green cardamom pods are a staple spice in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and various other cuisines, used whole or ground in both sweet and savory preparations. The seeds and essential oil contribute a distinctive, aromatic profile with notes described as camphor-like and citrusy. Beyond cooking, cardamom has traditional medicinal applications and is used in perfumery and flavorings.

Taxonomic notes: Elettaria is distinguished from related genera such as Amomum in some classifications, while other taxonomic treatments place species within Amomum. The genus is small, with Elettaria cardamomum as the principal cultivated species.