Cardamom (also known as white cardamom, green cardamom, or Amomum Repens Sonner) is a herb that grows wild and is cultivated in various countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family.
In Vietnam, this plant thrives in the mountainous regions with a cool climate, such as Lao Cai and Cao Bang. Cardamom is a perennial plant that grows to about 2-3 meters in height. Its roots are creeping, and its leaves grow in two rows. The flowers bloom in clusters and are white.
The cardamom fruit is spherical with a wrinkled shell and is also known as ‘khấu mễ’ or ‘khấu nhân’. Each fruit contains 20-30 seeds and has a pungent, aromatic flavor.
The flowers and fruits of the cardamom plant are used medicinally. The fruits are harvested from plants that are at least three years old when they transition from green to yellow. The ideal harvesting time is during autumn. After harvesting, the fruits are shade-dried and stored in a cool, dry place.
This herb offers several health benefits:
Cancer Support
Regular consumption of cardamom seeds stimulates the production of phytochemicals, which help fight cancer cells. While it cannot replace cancer treatments, healthcare professionals suggest that proper and regular use of cardamom can be a valuable adjunct to prevent cancer cell development.
Diuretic and Blood Pressure Reduction
Cardamom is considered a ‘golden food’ for treating hypertension and detoxifying the body. Its antioxidant properties stimulate urination and enhance the body’s ability to eliminate toxins, thereby reducing blood pressure and associated symptoms and complications.
Anti-Inflammatory
Cardamom is rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from damage and prevent inflammation in the body. Inflammation often occurs when the body comes into contact with foreign substances, triggering reactions that affect surrounding cells. Cardamom’s antioxidants safeguard these cells and prevent the progression of inflammation.
Additionally, regular consumption of cardamom aids in digestion, supports cardiovascular health, and improves respiratory function.
Notably, cardamom is the third most expensive spice in the world, after saffron and vanilla. A kilogram of this spice can cost approximately 90 USD (about 2 million VND). The primary reason for its high price is the labor-intensive harvesting process. Each green cardamom pod must be hand-picked when it is about 70% ripe, requiring meticulous care and time.
Cardamom is also cultivated in Vietnam and has contributed significantly to the country’s exports in 2023. Specifically, Vietnam exported 3,551 tons of cardamom and nutmeg, generating a total export revenue of 27.4 million USD. The primary importing countries were the Netherlands, China, and the United States, with import volumes of 923 tons, 756 tons, and 484 tons, respectively.
By 2025, Vietnam’s spice exports are projected to reach a total value of approximately 2 billion USD, with an expected export volume of 500,000 tons.
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