Spices of Tamilnadu are famous for their distinct taste and flavor. Mostly used as condiments that flavor food, the spices of Tamilnadu have several other uses. Some of these are used for seasoning and garnishing purposes. Others are used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Over twelve varieties of spices, including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove and nutmeg are cultivated in tamilnadu and the surrounding areas |
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| Cardamom |
Scientific Name: Elletteria Cardamom - Best altitude for cultivation : 1500 m above see level. Temperature : 10 - 25°C. Rainfall required. 1500 mm. Propagation : Seedlings and vegetative propagation. Pollinating agent : The honey bee. Harvest season : October to February |
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| Vanilla |
Scientific Name : Vanilla Fragrans - Rainfall Required : 1500 - 3000 mm Propagation : Shoot cutting. Pollination: Artificial
The rostellum of the flower is pushed back with a pointed bamboo splinter and the overhanging anther is pressed against the stigma with the thumb, thus smearing pollen over it. The ideal time for pollination is 0600 to 1300 hrs |
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A tropical orchid requires a warm climate with frequent rains; Vanilla grows best in uncleared jungle areas where it can get filtered sunlight. A creeper, the plant requires support up to a height of about 135 cm. The plant usually begins to flower by the third year. The bean takes 10 to 12 months to reach full maturity |
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| Pepper |
Scientific Name : Piper Nigrum - Temperature : Tolerance -10° C to 40° C. Optimum -20°C to 30°C. Rainfall required : 2500 mm. Propagation : Stem cutting. Important varieties : Panniyur -1, Karimunda, Kuthiravally, Arakkulam Munda, Balankotta and Kalluvally |
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| Ginger |
Ginger is used since time immemorial. It is a major crop cultivated in India and marketed as fresh and dried spice. It is a small grassy plant grown in all seasons throughout the year. Indian Ginger is famous for its flavour, texture and taste |
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More than a spice ginger is considered as a taste maker, a drug, an appetizer and a flavourant. Superior quality of ginger is produced from Kerala though it is grown throughout the country. The congenial climate and the fertile soil helps to produce quality ginger |
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| Turmeric |
Turmeric is the dried rhizome of a herbaceous plant. It is the most popular spice as a beauty aid. The spice is sometimes called 'Indian Saffron'. Indian turmeric has been known to the world since ancient times. Its antiseptic and preservative properties make Indian turmeric an ideal choice as a food flavour, an effective ingredient in medicines and cosmetics. It is an antidote against poison |
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As a beauty aid turmeric paste prevents and cures pigmentation, maintains pH factor and makes skin glowing. Taken internally it purifies the blood. With all its unique properties, Indian turmeric is considered the best in the world |
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| Clove |
Scientific Name : Eugenia Caryophyllus - Clove trees begin to bear flowers 7-8 years after planting. Unopened flower buds are carefully picked when they turn from green to pink. The buds are then allowed to dry for 4-5 days till they become crisp and dark brown in colour
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| nutmeg |
Scientific Name : Myristica Fragrans - The Nutmeg tree bears fruit throughout the year, but peak harvest season is from December to May. The nuts split open when the fruits are fully ripe. After dehusking, the red feathery aril (mace) is removed, flattened out and dried in the sun for 10 - 15 days. The nuts are dried separately for 4 - 8 weeks till the kernels rattle within the shells |
