Cardamom is famous as the ''''Queen of spices''''. It is well known since ancient times. India is known as
the ''''Home of Cardamom''''. It is indigenous to Southern India. Kerala state is the main producer. Botanical name of cardamom is Eletteria cardamomum and it belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. The economic part is the dried capsules (fruits) with seeds. The capsules contain carbohydrates, protein,
volatile oil, crude fibre, calcium, phosphorus and iron. Seeds carry volatile oil with typical aroma and flavour. The main constituents of this oil are cineol,
terpineol, terpinene, limonene, sabinene, and terpineol. Cardamom also possesses medicinal properties. It is effective in curing bad breath, oral disorders, hiccups, digestive problems, depression, genital problems, impotency, urinary disorders etc. The essential oil obtained from this spice is utilised as a stimulant, in perfumery, in traditional medicines, for pharmaceutical purposes etc. Cardamom is widely utilised all over the world for the preparation of myriad dishes like sweets, ice creams, biscuits and other bakery products, non-vegetarian dishes etc.