Elettaria cardamomum aka Cardamom

Elettaria cardamomum, commonly known as green or true cardamom, is a herbaceous, perennial plant in the ginger family, native to tropical India and South Asia. It is the most common of the species whose seeds are used as a spice called cardamom and is reported to have naturalized in Réunion, Indochina, and Costa Rica. Cardamom is the third most expensive spice in the world and has a rich history of use in many countries. It is employed not only in cooking, but also part of traditional medicine and tea. It is an important ingredient in Scandinavian pastries and other spices like masala. Cardamom is a forest dwelling plant that is perennial and grows from large rhizomes in USDA zones 10 & 11. This sweet aromatic herb has a unique flavor from its ginger family origins and its many uses have made it a highly sought after spice.