We offer stand-alone or integrated solutions to assist and train small scale farmers from the range of mount Usambara in Tanga (north east Tanzania), Uluguru mountain ranges in central Tanzania, and Southern highlands particularly Mbeya region, where there is sustainable and perfect natural environment for growing cardamom.
We support farmers in agrochemicals, seed, bio fuels, fertilizers, farm machinery and supplies, financial and insurance industries, storage, processing facilities and logistical, preparation of fresh cardamom.
Shikome International offers traditional and organic, premium quality cardamom, sourced directly from small-scale farmers in mainland Tanzania and the spice island of Zanzibar.
We work closely with our network of small-scale farmers in Tanzania to ensure that cardamom is cultivated with Standard Organic Agricultural Practices (SOAP) and are fully traceable, from harvest to delivery.
Each cardamom plantation contributes to afforestation and is harvested with traditional, sustainable methods only
It is a fact, Tanzanian cardamom are the best and quite spicy and tasteful due to the perfect environment and natural ways to cultivate. The seeds, oils and extracts of cardamom are thought to have impressive medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Product Description
Cardamom’s Nature
Shikome International supply both white and green cardamom (Elettaria cardamom), which is considered true cardamom. This is the more common variety, grown in tropical areas such as India, Malaysia, Costa Rica, and Tanzania where peak season is during the rainy period of March to April and October to November. As one of the highest valued spices in the world, cardamom is referred to as “Queen of Spices”.
Both forms of cardamom are used as flavorings and cooking spices in both food and drink, and as a medicine. Cardamom (green cardamom) is used as a spice, a masticatory, and in medicine; it is also smoked.
Cardamom has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic, resinous fragrance. Black cardamom has a distinctly smokier, though not bitter, aroma, with a coolness some consider similar to mint.
Green cardamom is one of the most expensive spices by weight but little is needed to impart flavor. It is best stored in the pod, as exposed or ground seeds quickly lose their flavor. Grinding the pods and seeds together lowers both the quality and the price. For recipes requiring whole cardamom pods, a generally accepted equivalent is 10 pods equals 11⁄2 teaspoons of ground cardamom.
Health Benefits of Cardamom, Backed by Science
a) Antioxidant and Diuretic Properties May Lower Blood Pressure
b) May Contain Cancer-Fighting Compounds
c) May Protect from Chronic Diseases Thanks to Anti-Inflammatory Effects
May Help with Digestive Problems, Including Ulcers
May Treat Bad Breath and Prevent Cavities
May Have Antibacterial Effects and Treat Infections
May Improve Breathing and Oxygen Use
May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Other Potential Health Benefits of Cardamom are;
Liver protection: Cardamom extract may decrease elevated liver enzymes, triglyceride and cholesterol levels. They may also prevent liver enlargement and liver weight, which reduces the risk of fatty liver disease.
Anxiety: One rat study suggests that cardamom extract may prevent anxious behaviors. This may be because low blood levels of antioxidants have been linked to the development of anxiety and other mood disorders (34, 35, 36).
Weight loss: A study in 80 overweight and obese prediabetic women found a link between cardamom and slightly reduced waist circumference. However, rat studies on weight loss and the spice have not found significant results
Nevertheless, adding cardamom to your cooking may be a safe and effective way to improve your health.
Cardamom extracts and supplements may also provide benefits but should be taken with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.
Health Benefits of Cardamom, Backed by Science