The flavor of the moment: Cardamom

The origin of cardamom:

Cardamom is native to India and certain regions of the Himalayas, where it grows wild. This spice has been cultivated for thousands of years in tropical and subtropical regions with a hot and humid climate. It was mainly used in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine, but has also been used as a spice in traditional Indian cuisine for centuries.

Cardamom was introduced to the rest of the world by Indian trade via the land and sea routes that connected India to several regions of the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Today it is grown in Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam and Laos.

Being a tropical plant, it requires specific climatic conditions for cultivation – in particular, temperatures of between 10 and 35 degrees Celsius. The soil must be rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. Cardamom pods are generally harvested by hand.

What are the benefits of cardamom?

In which products do we find cardamom flavor?

This versatile note can be used in a wide range of culinary preparations. It can therefore be found in several types of applications:

Pastries: Cardamom is often added to pastries such as cookies and cakes. It adds an exotic flavor.

Chocolate: Chocolates are also flavored with cardamom, offering a unique combination of flavors.

Spirits: Some spirits, such as gin and certain types of liqueurs, may also include notes of cardamom in their profile.

This spice brings a unique, complex flavor.It can be combined with a variety of other flavors to create delicious and interesting combinations.

A few launches

Source: Mintel GNPD 2024