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.
NELIXIA's products
Conventional Cardamom essential oil
EU/US Organic Cardamom essential oil
(USDA organic)
Cardamom absolute
Rainforest Alliance
certified Cardamom
Conventional Cardamom spice
(All grades from Jumbo Green to Mixed Yellow Quality - MYQ)
Organic Cardamom spice
(All grades from Jumbo Green to Mixed Yellow Quality - MYQ)
Conventional or Organic Essential Oil verification performed by UEBT level attained: Responsible sourcing
Organic and Conventional Spice Verification performed by UEBT level attained: Responsible sourcing
Fundamentals
KNOW THE SOURCE
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.
INVOLVE AND RESPECT
- Creation and organization of associations or cooperatives.
- Pre-financing of producers.
- Agricultural assistance to improve yields and control chemical use.
- 22 hectares already reforested in order to:
- Improve quality and yields.
- Mitigate climate change.
- Implement agroforestry system as a
mean to preserve soil, diminish
temperature, cultivate native species,
provide shade, etc.
- Improve quality and yields.
EMPOWER COMMUNITIES
Implementation of Stoplight Methodology to more than 80 families in the Cerro San Gil region in Guatemala.
PRESERVE, PROTECT AND PROMOTE BIODIVERSITY
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.
About Cardamom
Botany and production
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.
Botany and Production
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.
Our value chain
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.
Our value chain
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 products
Essential Oil
(Conventional and organic)
Cardamom Absolute
(Conventional)
Spices
(Conventional and organic)
Conventional Cardamom essential oil
EU/US Organic Cardamom essential oil
(USDA organic)
Cardamom absolute
Rainforest Alliance
certified Cardamom
Conventional Cardamom spice
(All grades from Jumbo Green to Mixed Yellow Quality - MYQ)
Organic Cardamom spice
(All grades from Jumbo Green to Mixed Yellow Quality - MYQ)
Conventional or Organic Essential Oil verification performed by UEBT level attained: Responsible sourcing
Organic and Conventional Spice Verification performed by UEBT level attained: Responsible sourcing
Essential Oil
(Conventional and organic)
Cardamom Absolute
(Conventional)
Spices
(Conventional and organic)
Essential Oil
(Conventional and organic)
Dried cardamom pods are grinded to allow better oil extraction, before being steam distilled. The oil produced then undergoes a final preparation, to allow it to reach its full aromatic potential.
Our Essential Oil is characteristically clean, spicy, fresh and aromatic.
Cardamom Absolute
(Conventional)
Cardamom pods solvent extracted at our new extraction facility in Guatemala.
Rainforest Alliance certified Cardamom
Spices
(Conventional and organic)
Cardamom pods are selected by size, density and color and can undergo various manufacturing (grinding, tea bag cuts…) according to our clients’ specifications.
Verification performed by UEBT. Level attained: Responsible.
