PLACE OF ORIGIN- GEYZING, SIKKIM

Large cardamom is known to be amongst the oldest spices used by the mankind. India is the largest producer of large cardamom with 54% share in world production and Sikkim contributes upto 88% of India’s production. Sikkim is the only “Organic” state in the country today with the entire agricultural produce of the state being tagged “Organic”.

There are mainly six popular cultivars of large cardamom viz., Ramsey, Ramla, Sawney, Varlangey, Seremna and DzonguGolsey. Several others include Chivey, Ramsey, Gardo SetoRamnag, Madhusey, SetoGolsey, Slant Golsey, Red Sawney, Green Sawney and Mingney.

This spice is used medicinally for heart problems, gastrointestinal problems, and most of all respiratory disorders, especially asthma. It is believed that chewing black cardamom seeds are extremely beneficial in conditions like bronchitis, whooping cough, pulmonary tuberculosis, and asthma.