Botanical name: Amomum subulatum
• Family: Zingiberaceae
• Genus: Amomum
• Species: subulatum
Black Cardamom is an important spice and a powerful flavoring agent. Due to its medicinal properties, it has been used in Ayurveda since ancient times. It acts as carminative, stomachic, diuretic, an effective cardiac stimulant and also as a remedy for throat and respiratory troubles. India is a major producer, consumer and exporter of this spice crop. Black cardamom is mainly grown in the sub-Himalayan hills of Sikkim and Darjeeling. India produces about 4,200 tons of cured cardamom annually.