At Nilgiri Marten Spices, we bring you the finest, single-origin spices directly from farms all over India. Lets explore the fascinating story behind our signature spice: Idukki Green Cardamom, also historically known as Alleppey Green Cardamom . This isn't just any spice, it's a treasure, green gold with the distinction of one of the most expensive spices in the world with a rich history, unique characteristics, and a story deeply connected to the biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
A Legacy of Flavour & History
legacy of Idukki Green Cardamom stretches back to medieval times in India, with ancient scriptures referencing its use as a spice. It has been a sought-after spice for centuries, prized for its aromatic and flavourful qualities .Historically, the port of Alleppey (now Alappuzha) served as a major trading hub for this spice, particularly during the time of the Travancore Kings, where auctions were a key part of the trade . In fact, the processing methods developed in Alleppey became the benchmark for international standards of cardamom quality ever since Victorian times.
Interestingly, the name "Alleppey Green Cardamom" is interchangeable with "Idukki Green Cardamom". Today, we use the name Idukki Green Cardamom to reflect its specific origin and unique qualities.
Geographical Indication and Importance of Western Ghats
Our Idukki Green Cardamom is not just a spice; it is a product of a specific terroir, with its geographical origin adding to its unique characteristics. It is grown in the long stretch of the Western Ghats in the districts of Tamil Nadu (Tirunelveli, Dindugul, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, and Theni) and Kerala (Idukki & Wayanadu).
The cultivation takes place at altitudes between 800 and 1300 metres above mean sea level, and some of our cardamom comes from the periphery of Periyar Tiger Reserve. This specific location contributes to its unique flavour profile and quality.
What makes Idukki Green Cardamom special?
- Appearance : Our Idukki Green cardamom is easily identified by its uniform shade of green colour, three-cornered shape, and ribbed appearance, and a diameter of 5mm - 8mm+. They are normally cylindrical or round in shape.
- Aroma and Flavour : Idukki Green Cardamom offers a sweet, floral aroma and a pleasant, mellow flavour with fruity notes and hints of lemon and mint. It has a warm, spicy-sweet taste.
- High Oil Content : This cardamom is known for having the highest volatile oil content or oleoresin (7.2% Approx) of any green cardamom in the world, enhancing its flavour and aroma.
- Chlorophyll Retention : It also has a high chlorophyll retention, which helps keep it its vibrant green colour.
The Nilgiri Marten Connection
The name of our company, Nilgiri Marten Spices, is an homage to the biodiversity of the Western Ghats. The Nilgiri Marten, a rare and endangered animal endemic to Western ghats, has played a vital part in story of Idukki Green cardamom. In the past, before the organisation of cardamom cultivation and trade, animals like the Nilgiri Marten played a vital role in pollinating and propagating the plant by dispersing its seeds across the Western Ghats. This connection reminds us of the importance of preserving the rich ecosystem that produces this exceptional spice.
From heart of western ghats to the Globe: Cultivation and Processing of Green Cardamom
Lot of time and care is spend to ensure quality of our Idukki Green Cardamom by making sure entire lifecycle of the product is as natural as possible.
- Harvesting : The cardamom capsules are harvested just before they are fully ripe, typically between October and November. Due to consistent rains, these days harvesting happens around January - February every year.
- Curing : We then kiln-dry the capsules, ensuring that they are protected from moisture and contamination, which helps to preserve their green colour and flavour.
- Grading : After drying, the cardamom is carefully graded based on colour, size, and Oleoresin values if needed. Colour grading and Size grading are the most common types of grading.
Our Idukki Green Cardamom is a versatile spice that can enhance a wide range of dishes and beverages. Try adding crushed pods to your chai tea for a refreshing aroma, using it in your baking for cakes, cookies, and pastries, or pairing it with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves . You can also add whole pods to your rice while cooking to impart a subtle, fragrant taste.
Commitment of Sustainability and Quality
At Nilgiri Marten Spices, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality, single-origin spices while also being mindful of sustainability. We are committed to working with local growers and ensuring fair trade practices.
Join Us on Our Journey
We invite you to explore the unique taste and aroma of Idukki Green Cardamom from Nilgiri Marten Spices. Experience the essence of the Western Ghats in every pod and discover the difference that single-origin spices can make.
We hope you enjoyed this journey into the world of Idukki Green Cardamom.
Stay tuned for more insights into our other exceptional spices.