🌿 What is Green Cardamom?

Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a highly aromatic spice known for its intense, slightly sweet flavor with hints of eucalyptus, mint, and lemon. It’s often called the “Queen of Spices” in India, second only to black pepper (the "King").

🌱 Cultivation in India

• Main Producing States:

        o Kerala (especially in Idukki, Wayanad districts)

        o Karnataka (Coorg region)

        o Tamil Nadu (Nilgiri Hills, Anamalai Hills)

• These regions have:

        o Tropical climates

        o High humidity

        o Rich forest soil

        o Elevations between 600 to 1500 meters

• Harvest Season:

        o Generally, from October to February, but slight variation depending on region.

🍃 Varieties

• Malabar Cardamom:

        Native variety, smaller pods, traditional flavor.

• Mysore Cardamom:

        Bigger, more aromatic pods with deep green color.

• Vazhuka Type:

        A hybrid between Malabar and Mysore types.

📈 Economic Importance

        • India was once the largest producer and exporter but now mainly consumes most of its production domestically.

        • Guatemala has overtaken India in exports.

        • In India, cardamom is still a luxury spice and commands high prices.

        • It is traded in major spice markets like Bodinayakanur (Tamil Nadu), often called the "Cardamom City".

📍 Where in Kerala?

        • Idukki is the largest producer — especially places like Udumbanchola, Peermade, Kumily.

        • Other important areas: Wayanad and parts of Pathanamthitta.

        • Kerala's Western Ghats (Sahyadri Hills) offer the perfect natural environment:

        ⛰️ High altitude (600–1500 meters)

        🌧️ Heavy rainfall (1500–4000 mm annually)

        🌳 Cool, shaded conditions under forest trees

🌱 How It's Cultivated

        • Shade-loving: Grows under tree canopy; needs filtered sunlight (not direct harsh sun).

        • Temperature: Thrives between 10°C to 35°C.

        • Soil:

                o Rich, well-drained loamy soils.

                o pH range: 4.5 to 7 (slightly acidic to neutral).

        • Propagation:

                o Mainly through suckers (vegetative propagation), sometimes through seeds.

        • Planting Time:

                o Typically, during May to June (just before monsoon).

🌸 Plant Growth Cycle

        • Takes about 2–3 years for plants to start yielding good pods after planting.

        • Flowering: Starts with the onset of pre-monsoon showers.

        • Harvesting:

                o Begins by October-November and can extend until February.

                o Pods are handpicked every 30–40 days — very labor-intensive!

🛡️ Challenges

• Pests/Diseases:

        o Thrips, capsule borers, and fungal diseases like "Katte" disease (viral).

• Climate Sensitivity:

        o Needs consistent rain and humidity; too much drought or too much flood can damage crops.

• Labor Shortage:

        o Cardamom cultivation is very labor-intensive, and finding workers can be tough.

📈 Kerala Cardamom Market

        • Bodinayakanur market (in Tamil Nadu) is a major hub even for Kerala growers.

        • Spices Board India (HQ in Kochi) regulates quality and exports.

        • Kerala's green cardamom is known for:

                o Strong aroma

                o Uniform size

                o Deep green color

🏆 Special Facts

• Kerala has some GI (Geographical Indication) tags related to cardamom.

• Organic farming is slowly becoming popular — big demand internationally.