Cardamom, known as the Queen of Spices, is believed to be as old as civilization.
The spice is widely used in flavors, fragrances and teas.
We work with 7 different Guatemalan ethnic groups: Q´eqchi, Kakchiquel, Mam, Pocomchí, Uspanteko, Lenco and Chorti. Our partners represent more than 2000 cardamom producers in Guatemala.
We partner with FundaEco, one of the most respected Guatemalan NGO in conservation, which is responsible for a huge natural reserve in the Izabal region. We coordinate with them to help growers within their area of influence.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), native from India, was brought to Guatemala more than 100 years ago and grows in the very fertile lands of Las Verapaces, Quiche, Huehuetenango and Izabal regions in Guatemala.
Cardamom is a shrub with leaves of 2 to 3 meters high, comparable to reeds.
Guatemala is the world’s largest producer of cardamom pods. More than 350,000 families cultivate that crop on an estimated surface of 63,000 hectares.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), native from India, was brought to Guatemala more than 100 years ago and grows in the very fertile lands of Las Verapaces, Quiche, Huehuetenango and Izabal regions in Guatemala.
Cardamom is a shrub with leaves of 2 to 3 meters high, comparable to reeds.
Guatemala is the world’s largest producer of cardamom pods. More than 350,000 families cultivate that crop on an estimated surface of 63,000 hectares.
Cardamom pods are carefully harvested and hand-picked between september and april.
At this stage, the green fruit is called “cereza”. Producers harvest the “cereza” which must be brought in no more than 48 hours to a dehydration oven, where the dried cardamom “pergamino” is produced.
The different colors and sizes of pods represent different qualities. The pods hold around 20 small black seeds, containing the essential oil.
Thanks to its extensive field experience and thorough testing, NELIXIA can select cardamom pods according to its customer's specifications.
Cardamom pods are carefully harvested and hand-picked between september and april.
At this stage, the green fruit is called “cereza”. Producers harvest the “cereza” which must be brought in no more than 48 hours to a dehydration oven, where the dried cardamom “pergamino” is produced.
The different colors and sizes of pods represent different qualities. The pods hold around 20 small black seeds, containing the essential oil.
Thanks to its extensive field experience and thorough testing, NELIXIA can select cardamom pods according to its customer's specifications.
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