It grows in the tropics, wild and in plantations. Cardamoms are
traditionally grown in partially cleared tropical rain forests, leaving
some shade.
The plants are gathered in October-December, before they ripen, to avoid
the capsules splitting during drying. They are dried in the sun or
bleached.
Green fruit capsules are harvested before they are fully mature and dried
in curing installations, so ensuring that they retain their green color ("greens").
These are the highest grade cardamom pods.
Whole fruit pod and seeds are used.
The whole cardamom can be used in cooking.
The seeds can be ground in a mill and powder can be used in different
cooking recipes.
They can be used either by frying whole or pounding with other spices.
They should be store in an airtight container.