Cardamom is a seed pod, known since centuries for its culinary and medicinal properties. These aromatic spice is native to the evergreen rain forest of southern Indian Kerala state and grown in only a few tropical countries. Botanically, it belongs to the family of "Zingiberaceae" and consists of two genera; Elettaria and Amomum.

Generally, the cardamom plant grows up to 4 meters in length in thick clumps and starts bearing its prized seed pods soon after about two years of plantation. Each pod measures about 1-2 cm in length.

Both Elettaria and Amomum cardamom types feature three-sided pods with a thin, yet tough papery outer cover. Inside, tiny, deep-brown to black, aromatic seeds are arranged in vertical rows with each grain ensheathed again inside a very thin membrane.

Elettaria pods are small and light green, while amomum pods are larger and dark brown. The pods are being used as flavoring base in both food and drink as well as in medicine.