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Spices are seasonings for food that come from the bark,
buds, fruit or flower parts, roots, seeds or stems of various
aromatic plants and trees.
Spices are 'any dried plant
product used primarily for seasoning purposes.' This
definition covers a wide range of plant and plant parts:
tropical aromatics, leafy herbs, spice seeds, roots,
dehydrated vegetables, and spice blends.
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Spices of Thekkady
There are over twelve varieties of spices cultivated
in and around Thekkady. The most famous among them are:
Cardamom
Cardamom is called the "Queen
of the Spices". Indis and Guatemala are the chief
producers of cardamom in the world. India is known as the Home
of Cardamom. It grows only under shades of Western Ghats of
South India. Yield starts in the 3rd year after planting, and it
continues up to 10-12 years The life span of cardamom is 15-20
years. Mysore, Vazhukka and Malabar are the three types of
cardamom. Njallani is a popular variety growing in this region.
Unlike other plants flowers are formed at the bottom / root
level of the plant. Flowering starts in April-June and with peak
flowering during July/August. Cool humid weather is necessary
during the flowering season for forming the fruit. |
