Cardamoms

Cardamoms are the capsules of certain species of Zingiberaceæ (q.v.), particularly Elettaria Cardamomum, a flag-like perennial, abundant in the moist shady mountain forests of the Malabar coast, where they are largely cultivated on small clearings. The three-celled capsules contain numerous wrinkled seeds, which form an aromatic pungent spice, weaker than pepper, and with a peculiar but agreeable taste. On account of their cordial and stimulant properties they are employed in medicine, very generally to qualify other medicines; they are also used in confectionery, although not to a great extent in Britain; but in Asia they are a favourite condiment; and in Russia, Scandinavia, and Northern Germany they are used in almost every household to flavour pastry. Other plants belonging to the same order yield drugs employed under the same name, but all are of inferior value; thus Amomum Cardamomum of Siam, &c. yields Round Cardamoms, A. xanthoides Wild or Bastard Cardamom, &c. See Flückiger and Hanbury's Pharmacographia.