| Latin Name : | Elettaria cardamomum |
| English Name : | Cardamom |
| French Name : | Cardamome |
| Family : | Zingiberaceae |
| Origin : | Guatemala |
History and Origin
Cardamom got its name from the Latin word cardamomum, also derived from the Greek word kardámômon most likely appeared around the 4th century before Christ when Alexander the Great came back from its Oriental conquests. Before becoming a gourmet’s delight, the "angel seed" has long been a divine intermediary. In India and Pakistan, cardamom seeds are still offered to gods during religious celebrations. It is of course well known and used for its aphrodisiac virtues. It grows wild in forests at an altitude of 800 to 1500 meters. Its privileged habitat is South-West India but other varieties grow in Guatemala and El Salvador.