I was scrolling through travel pics, feeling saudade or a deep yearning for my travel days and all the amazing food I loved trying in different places. I came across these and just felt a need to share information about cardamom and Guatemala. Did you know that Guatemala is the largest exporter of cardamom in the world, surpassing even India, where Cardamom originated (South India)? Who knew that this Central American country is such a power player in the spice trade? Cardamom is regarded as green gold and in some places in Guatemala this crop is even more valuable than coffee. The variety grown in India is Malabar or Keralan cardamom (Elettaria — which is small or green cardamom), and was introduced by a German immigrant to Guatemala in the early 1900s.
Traipsing around Guatemala, I was fascinated to see so many amazing uses for Cardamom, such as in soaps, in a yummy lassi (Indian yoghurt drink) in Antigua; in coffee, and in pastries like this amazing cardamom bun at the cutest coffee shop in Panajachel.
Back home I love adding cardamom to tea and coffee, and it’s one of my favorite spices. Cardamom is part of the ginger family and has numerous health benefits. According to the International Cardamom Association: “It is also well-known in its medicinal and pharmaceutical uses. Ancient people believed that with its supernatural powers, cardamom could drive evil spirits. They also used this spice to mask offensive or unpleasant odours.
Over the centuries, cardamom with its diverse properties has been used to treat a wide range of disorders, particularly in India. It is used in the treatment of urinary complaints, disorders of the liver, haemorrhoids and as means of removing fat. It has been used for centuries for stimulant, carminative, treatments for constipation, diarrhea and as a digestive aid. Sometimes, cardamom also added to quinine to increase its action in traditional medical uses.
More and more researchers today are recognizing the extensive application of cardamom in the preparation of antiviral and antibacterial principles in traditional systems of medicines, such as Ayurveda, aromatherapy, homeopathy and Unani. Biological investigations of cardamom have also shown that it acts as central nervous system depressant, anti-inflammatory and has hepato-protective and intestinal permeability properties.”
I have also learnt that cardamom used topically on the skin is a great skincare addition!
According to the Times of India: “Cardamom has antibacterial properties that helps in healing breakouts and also acts as a skin purifier by clearing out blemishes. It helps in giving you a clearer and evened out complexion. It makes your skin even toned and also can improve your skin complexion. Mix one teaspoon of cardamom powder with honey, and apply it to the acne spot.”
The International Cardamom Association provides more details on global cardamom production, export and consumption, and Guatemala exports about 6 times more in volume than the second largest exporter. That’s really incredible!
Sources: https://cardamomassociation.com/report/cardamom/
Does anyone else share my obsession learning about spices, their history and origin, as well as using them?
Originally published at https://www.jasmineandprotea.com on January 19, 2021.
